SPRINGFIELD, MO - No. 4 seed Evansville battled second-seeded Loyola to a 2-2 draw in Friday's first semifinal match in Springfield, Missouri, advancing to the final of the MVC Men's Soccer Tournament on Sunday with a 8-7 advancement via penaty kicks. The Aces advance to their fourth ever MVC title and first since the 2009 season.
All four goals were scored in the first half as both teams played scoreless soccer in the second frame and both overtime periods.
Evansville sophomore Pablo Guillen scored the game's first goal on a penalty kick in the game's sixth minute, his fourth goal of the season.
The Ramblers answered with a goal from Andrew Mitchell in the 20th minute as he scored his first goal of the season and third of his career. Loyola took the lead 16 minutes later as Alex Moskal scored due to an assist from Tyler Biggs, giving the Ramblers a 2-1 advantage.
The Aces tied the match just three minutes later as Carlos Barcia scored his third goal of the season, with an assist from Nkosi Graham.
Loyola dominated the stat sheet during the game, outshooting the Aces 23-5, including an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks.
In goal for the Aces, it was a classic performance from Jacob Madden, who made a career-high nine saves in the draw, including six in the second half and overtime.
Evansville finally broke the tie during penalty kicks as Davis Peck burried the winner, giving UE an 8-7 advancement to the title.
The Aces (4-13-2) will look for their second MVC Tournament title, and first since 1996, Sunday at 1 p.m. against Missouri State.
Loyola ends its season at 9-5-2.