CHICAGO (August 17, 2022) – Set to embark on its first season in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team has been picked to finish fifth following the release of the league's preseason poll on Wednesday.
 
The Ramblers accumulated 128 points to edge out Dayton (125 points) for the fifth spot.  Reigning Atlantic 10 Conference champion Saint Louis, which checks in at No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25, captured 13 out of a possible 14 first-place votes to finish atop the poll with 193 points.  Rhode Island (170 points) landed second, with VCU (154 points) receiving the remaining first-place vote to come in third.  Fordham (141 points) and the Ramblers rounded out the top five.
 
Also unveiled on Wednesday was the Atlantic 10's Preseason All-Conference Team, a lineup that featured redshirt senior Michael Hong (Vernon Hills, Ill./Vernon Hills/Wisconsin).
 
Named to the United Soccer Coaches Players to Watch List back on August 9, Hong was a fixture along the Rambler backline in 2021, playing in every minute of every game.  The Vernon Hills, Ill. product played a role in five shutouts while also adding a goal in a 3-0 win over Western Illinois on September 11.  For his efforts, Hong was named a First Team All-West Region selection by the United Soccer Coaches and also took home First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference accolades.
 
Under the direction of first-year head coach Steve Bode, Loyola plays its second of three exhibition games this afternoon at 3 p.m. against Milwaukee in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.  After hosting Marquette to close their preseason slate at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, the Ramblers officially open the 2022 season on Friday, August 26 when they entertain Bucknell in a 5 p.m. kickoff at Loyola Soccer Park.

2022 Atlantic 10 Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Saint Louis (13 first-place votes) - 193
2. Rhode Island – 170
3. VCU (1) – 154
4. Fordham – 141
5. Loyola – 128
6. Dayton - 125
7. Duquesne – 116
8. Saint Joseph's – 115
9. Massachusetts – 87
10. Davidson - 72
11. La Salle - 56
12. George Washington - 51
13. George Mason - 36
14. St. Bonaventure - 26
 
Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team
Maxi Hopfer (Duquesne)
Patrick Agyemang (Rhode Island)
John Klein (Saint Louis)
Nathan Dragisich (Duquesne)
Edvin Akselsen (Rhode Island)
Christian Buendia (Saint Louis)
Nico Cavallo (Davidson)
Michael Hong (Loyola)
Zach Drayer (Rhode Island)
Alberto Suarez (Saint Louis)
Lane Warrington (Saint Louis)
Justin Grady (George Washington)