CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Coming off of a runner-up finish in the Patriot League last year, the Loyola University Maryland men's soccer team has been picked as the favorites to win the League this year, while sophomores Brian Saramago (offensive) and Barry Sharifi (midfield) have been tabbed as preseason players of the year, as announced by the League office Wednesday.

"In being picked ninth last year to first this year, we're really excited and proud of where we've come from," 2016 Patriot League Coach of the Year Steve Nichols said. "Our work is not done though. We are still a young team that's growing into a complete group, and we'll take nothing for granted. After trying to prove ourselves last year, I'm looking forward to seeing how we perform with a bullseye on our back this year."

The Greyhounds collected 152 points and 10 first-place votes to take the top spot in the Patriot League Preseason Poll. Colgate, the 2016 Patriot League Tournament Champions, checked in second with 142 points and five first-place votes, while American, the 2016 regular-season champions, earned the remaining five first-place votes and accumulated 116 points to edge Boston University (115 points) out of third place by one point. Army West Point collected 93 points to sit fifth, followed by Bucknell (86 points), Lehigh (70), Navy (52), Lafayette (49) and Holy Cross (25).

Saramago was voted the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after earning All-Patriot League First Team and Patriot League Rookie of the Year accolades in 2016. The sophomore forward from New Hyde Park, New York, ranked in the top-three of the Patriot League goals (3rd, 10), points (2nd, 23) and shots (1st, 4.00/game) a year ago, while his seven goals, 16 points and 36 shots in conference play led the League.

Sharifi picks up Patriot League Preseason Midfielder of the Year honors after being named to the All-Patriot League Second Team last year. A native of Jericho, New York, Sharifi was the top rookie midfielder in the League last year and finished the season ranked second in the League with five assists in conference games. He also ranked 10th in the League with 13 points on the season.

In addition to their preseason player of the year awards, Saramago and Sharifi were joined on the 11-member Preseason All-Patriot League Team by three other forwards - Rex Epps (Army West Point), Mark Forrest (Lehigh) and Doyle Tuvesson (Lehigh) - two other midfielders - Jared Stroud (Colgate) and Brock Dudley (Navy) - three defenders - Zac McGraw (Army West Point), Aram Ouligian (Colgate) and Christian Moyse (Lafayette) - and Navy's goalkeeper Mac Burke.

"We knew that when we signed Brian and Barry that we were getting two of the best players in not only the Patriot League, but the country," Nichols said. "They showed their worth as freshmen and we are expecting more of them this year as we try to win our first Patriot League title and get back to the NCAA Tournament."

The Greyhounds, coming off a 1-0 win over 16th-ranked Akron in the preseason finale Saturday, will open their 2017 campaign this weekend. Loyola will travel to La Salle for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday, before returning home to host St. John's at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Maryland, 152 (10 first-place votes)
2. Colgate, 142 (5)
3. American, 116 points (5)
4. Boston University, 115
5. Army West Point, 93
6. Bucknell, 86
7. Lehigh, 70
8. Navy, 52
9. Lafayette, 49
10. Holy Cross, 25

Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Brian Saramago, Loyola Maryland (So., F)
Patriot League Preseason Midfielder of the Year: Barry Sharifi, Loyola Maryland (So., M)
Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Zac McGraw, Army West Point (So., D)

Men's Soccer Preseason All-Patriot League Team
Rex Epps, Army West Point (So., F)
Mark Forrest, Lehigh (Jr., F)
Doyle Tuvesson, Lehigh (Sr., F)
Brian Saramago, Loyola Maryland (So., F)
Jared Stroud, Colgate (Sr., M)
Barry Sharifi, Loyola Maryland (So., M)
Brock Dudley, Navy (Sr., M)
Zac McGraw, Army West Point (So., D)
Aram Ouligian, Colgate (Jr., D)
Christian Moyse, Lafayette (Sr., D)
Mac Burke, Navy (Sr., GK)