DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake men's soccer team fell to Loyola in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Semifinal, 4-1, Tuesday afternoon at Drake Stadium. 

In the 32nd minute, graduate Lucas Bartlett was called for a foul in the box and Loyola's (6-3-2) Bily Hency scored off the penalty kick putting the Ramblers on the board, 1-0.  

Less than four minutes later, senior Erik Sigman scored for Drake (5-3-1), after taking a free kick 29 yards from the goal to tie the game at 1-1.  

In the 41st minute, Loyola took a corner kick and Drake inadvertently deflected the ball into the net to put the Ramblers ahead 2-1 on the own goal.  

"It's a tough outcome to accept for a number of reasons. We are obviously disappointed in the result because it wasn't our best performance on the day," said head coach Gareth Smith. "It was a tight game in the first half and even though we were 2-1 down at the half, we had the belief and confidence that we would get back into the game. However, we were undone by some uncharacteristic defensive mistakes and decisions outside our control and ultimately, we were unable to overcome the challenge on the day."

Loyola recorded five shots and four on goal in the first 45 minutes. Both teams had to battle the gusting winds throughout the game.  

Three minutes into the second half, Oscar Dueso scored off a double assist from Jason Ybarra and Tyler Biggs to put the Ramblers ahead, 3-1. 

Drake continued to fight for possession but was unable to maintain it as Loyola registered another five shots and four on goal.  

Smith said, "Over the next few days we will break down the game and continue the process of looking for ways to improve and push on another level, as we prepare for another run at the conference championship in the fall. I am proud of our team for a very strong season overall. We had consistently good performances and results and finished the No. 2 seed behind one of the best teams in the country."

Senior Juan Louis was the only Bulldog to register a shot on goal in the second half. 

In the 72nd minute, Marc Torrellas found the net once again for the Ramblers off a pass from Nick Mair. 

Drake registered eight shots and three on goal in its 90 minutes on the pitch.  

"I wish our graduating seniors the best of success with this next chapter in their careers and would like to thank them again for their dedication, application, and commitment to the program. Their influence both on and off the field will be missed," said Smith.

The Ramblers advance to the MVC Championship game to take on the winner of the Bradley-Missouri State game.