BALTIMORE, Md. - After a 13-day layoff and two canceled games, the Tigers (0-2-1) were able to continue their season with a non-conference match against Loyola (3-1-1) at the Ridley Athletic Complex on Wednesday night. However, the Tigers were unable to overcome two quick goals from the Greyhounds and dropped a 2-1 decision.

The Tigers were playing their first game since Sept. 1 after having games against UMBC and Saint Joseph's canceled due to inclement weather.

Loyola took a quick 2-0 lead in the opening nine minutes of the first half. After Stephen Dooley scored on a penalty kick in the seventh minute, defender Gerwyn Jones upped the Greyhounds' advantage to 2-0 when he deflected a free kick by Geaton Caltabiano into the goal with 36:11 remaining in the first half.

The Tigers narrowed the margin to 2-1 when junior Matteo Vertucci scored his first career goal after he took a pass from junior Phil Martinelli and beat Loyola goalkeeper Kyle Wittman with 8:42 left to play in the first half.

Towson senior goalkeeper John Steele was impressive in the second half, making a diving save early in the second half when a header from Caltabiano came toward the net. Steele made three saves in the game.

Sophomore Olakunle Banjo led the offensive attack for Towson, registering three shots in the game. Three other Tigers, including Javier Bermudez Roa, Anthony Okodua and Vertucci, had two shots each. 

“It's a matter of getting that rhythm after being off for two weeks,” Towson Coach Frank Olszewski said. “We had some opportunities and we had them on the ropes a little bit. If a goal goes in, maybe the game changes. We will be ready for Longwood.”

The Tigers will continue on the road Saturday night when they face Longwood University at 7:00 p.m.