WASHINGTON – Grant Bailey of the Loyola University Chicago men's soccer team was selected 86^th overall by D.C. United in the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, the league and club announced Friday.

The 26^th pick in the third round, Bailey joins former Ramblers Aidan Megally (2020 – FC Dallas), Grant Stoneman (2019 – Chicago Fire FC), Elliot Collier (2018 – Chicago Fire FC) and Billy Hency (2022 – Chicago Fire FC) to be selected in the SuperDraft.

Although Bailey was selected in the SuperDraft, he will return to Loyola for the 2025 season to continue his collegiate career. By drafting him, the MLS club secured his professional rights, allowing them to sign him once he concludes his time at Loyola. This arrangement gives Bailey the opportunity to further develop his skills and compete at the collegiate level before transitioning to the professional stage.

"I am extremely grateful to have the honor of being drafted by D.C. United," said Bailey. "I am also so thankful for the opportunity and support from Loyola that has helped me get to this point. I am super excited to return to Loyola and continue developing here to help push me to this next level!"

The Carmel, Ind., native was one of just three true freshmen to earn a starting role in 2023, making an immediate impact on a defensive unit that held opponents to a 0.93 scoring average and recorded five shutouts.

In 2024, the sophomore contributed a crucial goal in Loyola's 2-2 draw against Dayton on Sept. 21 and played a key role in limiting opponents to a .379 shots on-goal percentage.

"We're thrilled that D.C. United drafted Grant Bailey in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft," said Loyola Head Coach Steve Bode. "It's encouraging to see that his quality is being noticed by professional clubs. He is a very talented player with high potential. I cannot wait to see how he continues to develop at Loyola both as a player and person. Grant is a great ambassador for Loyola Chicago and our soccer program."

Off the field, Bailey excels academically as a computer science major with a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned CSC Academic All-District honors in 2024.