Box Score ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Daisy Hernandez-Loya scored in the 28th minute to highlight a strong offensive performance and lift Roosevelt to a 1-0 win over Holy Cross on Saturday in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup at Morris Field.
The transfer from Illinois State nearly scored twice in the first 20 minutes before she finally found the right touch on the ball to curl a shot into the net. Hernandez-Loya attacked down the left flank and was able to beat her defender with a cutback inside to unleash a shot from a narrow angle. The Holy Cross goalie could only watch as the ball sailed into the side netting to give the Lakers (3-3-0, 1-1-0 CCAC) the lead.
Roosevelt had plenty of chances to increase the advantage, none better than Brenna Rohloff's 30-yard cannon from straight-on that smashed the crossbar and was then knocked out for a corner kick. The Lakers also earned a unique opportunity with an indirect freekick from 8-yards out thanks to a smart play by Kyra Cruickshank. Off the set piece, Alex Creel unleashed a shot that was barely deflected away by the Saints keeper.
Although the Lakers held a 17-8 advantage in shot attempts, the one-goal lead proved to be nervy to hold onto at times. Roxana Herrera was credited with three saves, including a big stop on a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute that was Holy Cross' most dangerous chance of the day. The Saints also put some pressure on the wings against the Lakers, but outside backs Rebecca Simpkins and Destiny Ashcraft were able to stay locked in on denying Holy Cross chances to cross the ball into the middle.
On the offensive end, the Lakers were able to take full advantage of the flanks with Hernandez-Loya creating space for herself consistently with the ball at her feet. On numerous occasions, the forward would receive the ball on a wing then curve her way into the penalty box to create a dangerous chance for the Lakers. Twice, Hernandez-Loya even beat the keeper but was stonewalled by heads-up defending by the Saints to deny the Lakers a second goal.
Roosevelt will look to keep the momentum flowing Wednesday tonight when it welcomes cross-town rival Saint Xavier to Morris Field for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
