Friday, August 27, 2004

Tim Bowington (Odessa, Texas/Permian H.S.) and Owen Hoyt (Spring Grove, Ill./Prairie Ridge H.S.) each found the back of the net as Valparaiso defeated Loyola (Ill.) 2-0 on Friday afternoon in exhibition action in Chicago.

Bowington put the Crusaders on the board with just 1:06 remaining in the opening half putting a rebound into an empty net. Nate Hyde (South Bend, Ind./Clay H.S.) and J.J. Eschenburg (Edgewood, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) each drew an assist.

Hoyt then added an insurance marker with 1:38 remaining in the match scoring on a sharp angle shot from 16 yards out for an unassisted goal.

Valpo outshot the Ramblers 15-5 for the match and held a 10-2 advantage on net. Jeff Oleck (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) made two saves in goal for the Brown and Gold to earn the shutout while Sean Bond made eight stops in net for Loyola.

Valparaiso will open the regular season on Wednesday evening as the Crusaders entertain Oregon State. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Eastgate Field.