Fairfield, CT - Loyola University Maryland freshman forward Matt Tyrie scored his first career goal with 23.8 seconds remaining in the second overtime to give the Greyhounds a 1-0 victory over Niagara University in the 2009 MAAC Men's Soccer Championship at Lessing Field on the campus of Fairfield University.
Loyola senior defender Tennant McVea, the MAAC's three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was named the championship's Most Valuable Player.
The two teams battled to a scoreless draw in regulation. The best chance in the first 90 minutes came from Niagara sophomore forward Carl Haworth, whose shot from the right side of the penalty area was tipped by Loyola goalkeeper Kyle Wittman and ricocheted off the crossbar.
Loyola had the best opportunity of the first overtime when junior midfielder Eddie Dines attempted a shot from 20 yards out, but his effort was deflected wide by Niagara goalkeeper John Fiutowski.
Wittman secured his ninth shutout of the season with four saves in the contest.
Loyola has now won 12 MAAC Men's Soccer Championships, nine more than any other school. Niagara was appearing in its first title game.
The Greyhounds will receive an automatic berth to the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.
