South Dakota women's soccer dropped its opening contest against Loyola Chicago on Thursday night by a final score of 0-1. After Loyola took the lead early in the second half, the Coyotes put pressure on the Ramblers' defense throughout the half but were unable to find the equalizer.
 
Loyola Chicago controlled much of the first half and outshot USD 8-1 in the first frame. South Dakota's lone shot in the first half came early off the head of Shaylee Gailus that missed wide. Goalkeeper Caroline Lewis made two saves in the first 45 minutes to keep the score even at the break.
 
The Ramblers got up three quick shots within the first four minutes out of the locker room including the game winner at the 48:30 mark. After picking up a foul, Loyola's Madeleine Barone had a free kick opportunity just a few feet outside the penalty box. From the right side of the field, Barone bent her kick to the far post and sneaked one past a diving Lewis to break the scoreless draw.
 
USD had some good opportunities to tie the game up nearing the end of the contest. The Coyotes' best chance came at the 60-minute mark in the game. Gailus found herself with some space at the top of the box and rocketed a shot that barely missed the top of the goal. Ashby Johnston and Hattie Giblin had two on-goal shots around the 80-minute mark to tie the game up, but both were saved by Loyola's goalkeeper Naya Lipkens.
 
South Dakota recorded six shots tonight with five of those coming in the second half. Of those six shots, three were placed on goal. Gailus led the team by claiming four of those shots. Lewis made three saves on the night in net for USD.
 
The Coyotes hit the road on Sunday for their next match of 2022. South Dakota takes on Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls with a scheduled kick-off at 1:00 pm.