Nov. 13, 2005

Box Score

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Although it was a day later than scheduled, the LMU men's soccer team used some of its Sunday Sullivan Field magic to pull out a 2-0 win over San Diego this afternoon in the regular season finale. Senior Armando Melendez scored the game-winner on a penalty kick in the first half and Tony Chinakwe added an insurance goal to open the second half. LMU improves to 8-8-4 on the season, and clinches 3rd place in the WCC with a 6-5-1 conference record.

It was an even first half statistically. LMU outshot San Diego 6-5, and was able to take advantage of its high percentage shot- the penalty shot. A trio of Lions awaited a high ball inside the box, but a foul was called on the Toreros to set up the penalty kick.

Senior Melendez, who was honored in a ceremony before the game, stepped up to take his third penalty kick of the season. He remained perfect on the year, shooting the ball to the right side of the net, while USD goalkeeper Lance Friesz dove the other way.

LMU converted its only shot of the second half. A Melendez corner kick created a scramble in front of the net. Chinakwe gathered a Jawaan Delaney rebound and put the ball past Friesz to give the Lions a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute of action.

That would be LMU's only shot of the half, as USD outshot LMU 9-1 in the second half. But they couldn't convert on their opportunities as LMU goalkeeper Robert Flores made four saves in the game to record his third shutout of the season.

For the game, USD (9-6-5, 4-5-3) outshot LMU 14-7. The Toreros were led by Ryan Guy who had five shots, while Tommy Von Bromsen had two shots on goal. Chinakwe led LMU with three shots on the day.

The Lions improve to 5-1 on the season at Sullivan Field on Sundays. Other noted Sunday wins at Sullivan were a 2-1 win over then-#10 UC Santa Barbara and a 3-1 win over then-#5 Santa Clara.

Before the game, seniors Melendez and Jimmy Burling were honored in a ceremony marking the final regular season home game.

Now the Lions await the NCAA Selection show on Monday at 1:00pm PST. With a 3rd place finish in the tough West Coast Conference, and three wins over top-10 teams, the Lions are looking to secure an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. LMU has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four years.

San Diego (9-6-5, 4-5-3) vs. Loyola Marymount (8-8-4, 6-5-1)
 Date: Nov 13, 2005  Attendance: 393
 Weather: sunny, then cloudy and cold
 Goals by period       		1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 San Diego...........  		0  0 -  0
 Loyola Marymount....  	1  1 -  2
 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  29:36 LMU Melendez, Armando Penalty kick
  2.  46:04 LMU Chinakwe, Tony (3) (Melendez, Armando;DELANEY, Jawaan) - shot off rebound from corner kick
 Shots: San Diego 14, Loyola Marymount 7
 Saves: San Diego 1 (FRIESZ, Lance 1), Loyola Marymount 5 (Flores, Robert 4; TEAM 1)

- GO LIONS! -