Loyola Women’s Soccer Ties NCAA Division I Record With 10th Draw After Contreras’ Late Equalizer
Loyola Women’s Soccer Ties NCAA Division I Record With 10th Draw After Contreras’ Late Equalizer
By Brian Hradsky
FINAL: Loyola Maryland 1, Lafayette 1 — October 24, 2026
EASTON, Pa. — The Loyola University Maryland women’s soccer team made NCAA history Saturday afternoon, battling Lafayette College to a 1-1 draw at Mike Bourger Field at Oaks Stadium. Betzael Contreras delivered the decisive moment in the 82nd minute, converting a penalty kick that helped the Greyhounds secure their 10th tie of the 2026 season. The result matched the NCAA Division I women’s soccer single-season record for draws and added another remarkable chapter to Loyola’s unusual campaign. Despite being outshot throughout the contest, the Greyhounds found a way to avoid defeat.
Contreras Delivers Under Pressure
Loyola entered the closing stages trailing 1-0 after struggling to generate consistent offensive opportunities against Lafayette’s defense. The Greyhounds earned a corner kick in the 82nd minute, and a Lafayette foul inside the penalty area gave Loyola an opportunity to equalize. Contreras stepped forward and confidently converted the penalty kick with 7:49 remaining in regulation. The goal marked her second of the season and transformed what appeared headed toward a narrow defeat into a historic draw.
Contreras had only returned to the field minutes earlier, entering as part of a series of Loyola substitutions in the 79th minute. Her penalty represented just the Greyhounds’ second shot of the afternoon, illustrating how difficult Lafayette made offensive opportunities. Loyola ultimately finished with three shots, all on target, while the Leopards controlled much of the attacking action. Nevertheless, the Greyhounds capitalized when the opportunity mattered most.
Lafayette Controls the Opening Half
Lafayette established its offensive presence early and broke through in the 12th minute when Era Methoxha scored her third goal of the season. Heather Plowright and Abby Giordano provided assists on the opening goal, giving the Leopards a 1-0 advantage. Lafayette continued applying pressure throughout the first half, recording nine shots while limiting Loyola to just one attempt. The hosts carried their one-goal advantage into halftime after creating several opportunities to extend the lead.
The Leopards finished the afternoon with a 12-3 advantage in total shots and an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. Loyola goalkeeper Hannah Goetzer played a significant role in keeping the Greyhounds within striking distance, finishing with seven saves. Her performance allowed Loyola to remain competitive despite the considerable difference in offensive production. That defensive resilience eventually created the opportunity for Contreras to rescue the result.
Loyola Matches NCAA Division I Record
The draw carried historical significance far beyond the Patriot League standings. Loyola’s 10th tie matched the NCAA Division I single-season women’s soccer record, placing the Greyhounds alongside several programs that previously reached the same total. Canisius, Pacific and Indiana State each recorded 10 ties in 2022, while Stephen F. Austin matched the mark in 2025. Nebraska also reached 10 ties earlier during the 2026 campaign.
Loyola’s overall record moved to 3-2-10, reflecting a season defined by close contests and an extraordinary number of shared results. The Greyhounds’ ability to remain competitive has produced a historically unusual record, even as victories have proven difficult to secure. Their latest comeback demonstrated the resilience that has characterized much of the season. With another regular-season match remaining, Loyola also had an opportunity to move beyond the existing single-season record.
What the Result Means for Loyola
The draw provided another Patriot League result as Loyola approached the conclusion of its regular-season schedule. Although the Greyhounds struggled to establish offensive rhythm, they demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on a crucial late opportunity. Goetzer’s goalkeeping and Contreras’ composure ensured that Lafayette could not turn its statistical advantage into a victory. Those contributions could prove important as Loyola prepares for its remaining conference competition.
Loyola will return to Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore on Saturday, October 31, for its regular-season home finale against Army West Point. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., giving the Greyhounds another opportunity to finish the regular season with a positive result. The matchup also presents the possibility of an unprecedented 11th tie, although Loyola will undoubtedly prioritize securing a victory. The Greyhounds enter that contest having already earned a place in NCAA women’s soccer history.
MSB Take
Loyola’s 2026 women’s soccer season has become one of the more unusual stories in Maryland college athletics. Ten ties in 15 matches demonstrate how frequently the Greyhounds have found themselves separated from opponents by the smallest possible margins. Saturday’s performance also showed that the team can manufacture a result even when the opponent dominates possession-related opportunities and shot totals. Contreras deserves recognition for converting a pressure-filled penalty, while Goetzer’s seven saves made the comeback possible.
From a broader perspective, Loyola’s record raises an interesting question about the relationship between competitiveness and winning. The Greyhounds have been difficult to defeat, but turning close matches into victories remains an important objective. Their final regular-season contest against Army offers another opportunity to make that transition. Regardless of what happens next, Loyola’s record-tying achievement deserves recognition throughout Maryland’s college sports community.
