As defending Patriot League champions, the Greyhounds look to gain back points after falling to Army in their opening game. Players on the team understand the long and hard season they have ahead of them. The Patriot League’s reputation as a gritty and close conference has proven to be accurate as the first week yielded close games all around.
Loyola men’s soccer is currently 1-1 in Patriot League play. Losing to Army 2-1 in mid-September, the Greyhounds regained points by beating Lehigh 1-0 last Saturday. The men’s soccer team is currently in sixth place in the Patriot League standings with Army and Lafayette holding first and second place.
Matthew Lala ‘23 and graduate student Danilo Seglio scored both Patriot League goals in the last week versus Army and Lehigh. Goalkeeper Alex Bobocea ‘25 has tallied five saves with two goals against so far in conference play. Greyhound defender Thomas Gray ‘25 said that Patriot League games are very competitive.
“The standard of competition is very high as players are good and everyone is very fit and athletic,” Gray said. “The games are exciting and both teams have lots of chances.” However, the conference is still gaining new players and coaches every year. With new team managers entering the Patriot League, games are becoming more athletic and technical.
“Patriot League games are tough. They are different to a lot of other conferences and out-of-conference games because the teams more often than not sit in a deep block and try to win the game from a counter attack or set pieces,” said Kelan Swales, a graduate student for the Greyhounds. After winning the Patriot League last season, the English native looks forward to the upcoming season with excitement and anticipation.
“They make it difficult for us by making it a fight rather than getting the ball on the floor, passing, combining, and creating a lot of chances,” Swales said. Loyola men’s soccer has a long schedule ahead of them after their latest win and ties versus Lehigh and American.
The Greyhounds look to continue their unbeaten streak against Colgate on Saturday.
Featured Image courtesy of MK Barnes
