The Notre Dame menÕs soccer team walked off the field for the first time this year in victorious fashion following a 1-0 victory over Loyola (Chicago) in Monday afternoonÕs exhibition game.

ÒI thought we played very well. We looked very good at times,Ó said sophomore goalkeeper Cole Straub, ÒWe have a young team coming up, and our freshmen helped out a lot.Ó

The lone tally for the new head coach Chris AppleÕs team came on sophomore Justin RatcliffeÕs goal off a feed from freshman Justin Detter 21 minutes, 23 seconds into the game.

ÒIt was a great feeling scoring a goal, and it was good to get on the board early,Ó said Ratcliffe, ÒLast year we didnÕt score in our preseason game, so at least we got on the board and kept the shutout.Ó

The Irish kept the game close behind a strong defense. Sophomore goal tenders Greg Tait and Straub, competing for the starting position, each played a half. Tait started the game and made one save before being relieved by best friend Straub, who added three more.

ÒI thought I played well,Ó said Straub, ÒI could have had a few better clearances but other than that I really thought the whole team played well.Ó

The competition between the two men in goal is one of the interesting aspects of the team this preseason. Tait and Straub are roommates in Zahm Hall.

ÒI think itÕs a real healthy competition. Off the field weÕre best friends, on the field we want whatÕs best for each other. Even in drills weÕre pushing each other to be the best that we can. We realize that whatever decision is made, itÕs the coachÕs decision and weÕre going to support who ever is on the field.Ó

ÒWe can push each other to heights on the field that we never really could get at if we werenÕt fighting for [the spot] with the same camaraderie and the same friendship that you can push each other with,Ó added Straub.

The menÕs soccer team is preparing for its final preseason tune-up in Fort Wayne, Ind., this weekend at the IPFW Soccer Showcase. The team takes on South Carolina on Saturday before moving on to challenge either St. Louis or Akron on Sunday.

ÒWeÕve been training really hard the last couple of weeks,Ó said Ratcliffe, ÒAll the players are in top shape. We came into preseason in top shape so now weÕre just working on some team aspects.Ó

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