CHICAGO (January 25, 2021) – Looking to build off its second straight sweep of the Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles, the Loyola University Chicago women's soccer team announced the schedule for its 2021 spring season on Monday.
 
"With so much uncertainty, we're excited about our Missouri Valley Conference schedule this spring," Loyola head women's soccer coach Barry Bimbi commented.  "We were able to try some different things with our group during the fall and really develop our players with some extended practice time."
 
Following an exhibition tilt at Marquette (February 14), Loyola will begin the defense of its MVC crown on February 28 when it visits Springfield, Mo. to battle Missouri State.  The Maroon & Gold will play its first of two contests at the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two complex in Loves Park, Ill. just under a week later, squaring off against Drake on March 5.  Back-to-back road tests await in the following nine days, with trips to UNI (March 10) and Valparaiso (March 13) on the docket.
 
After returning to Loves Park for a matchup against perennial MVC power Illinois State (March 21), the Ramblers will make their final road trip of the eight-game regular season on March 24 for a clash with Indiana State.  Loyola closes the season with consecutive games within the friendly confines of Loyola Soccer Park, where they will play host to Valley women's soccer newcomer Southern Illinois (March 28) and Evansville (April 3).
 
The MVC Championship is slated to run from April 11-17, with games taking place at campus sites.
 
Now in his 10^th season at the head of the Rambler bench, Bimbi is set to welcome back 19 letterwinners from last season's team that rattled off a program-record 12 straight wins en route to finishing 14-5-1 overall and a perfect 7-0-0 in Valley play.  That group of returnees is highlighted by four All-MVC selections, including First Team honoree Abby Swanson and reigning Valley Freshman of the Year Megan Nemec.
 
Loyola's schedule for spring 2021 follows.
 
Loyola Women's Soccer 2021 Spring Schedule
Feb. 14 – at Marquette (Exhibition)
Feb. 28 – at Missouri State
March 5 – Drake (Loves Park, Ill.)
March 10 – at UNI
March 13 – at Valparaiso
March 21 – Illinois State (Loves Park, Ill.)
March 24 – at Indiana State
March 28 – Southern Illinois
April 3 – Evansville
April 11 – MVC Championship (Campus Sites)
April 14 – MVC Championship (Campus Sites)
April 17 – MVC Championship (Campus Sites)