Bethlehem -- The Patriot League announced their men's soccer Preseason Awards and Poll on Thursday morning, as Loyola University Maryland's
Sean McEvoy, Jordy Luches and
Dylan Van der Walt all earned Preseason Player of the Year awards, while men's soccer was picked as the favorites to win the league.
McEvoy, Luchies, Van der Walt, and
Chris Ogor were all named to the 13-player Preseason All-League team. The four players are the most of any team.
McEvoy, who was named the Preseason Midfielder of the Year, started in all 17 games last season. He recorded one goal and two assists as he served as the teams primary defensive midfielder. McEvoy played a crucial roll for the Greyhounds, as they were one of the top defensive teams in the country last season. McEvoy played at least 80 minutes in 10 games last season, including playing all 110 minutes of last years Patriot League Semifinal.
Luches was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career. Last season, Luchies led the Greyhounds and all Patriot League defenders in goals (4), assists (3), and points (11). Luchies once again was a critical factor on the Greyhounds back line, that served as a top defense in the country. Luchies started in 14 of 16 games played last season for Loyola, and looks to be a big part of their success this season.
Van der Walt was named the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year after a strong first season at Loyola. Van der Walt started in all 18 games and played every minute last season. He compiled a 7-3-8 record with seven shutouts on the season, while having a league-best .786 save percentage and a .83 goals against average.
Ogor, who was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year in 2023, played a large roll on the back end for the Greyhounds. He started 13 games last season while appearing in 17 games during his freshman campaign. He played every minute over the last three games of the season, including all 110 minutes of the semifinal game against Lafayette.
Loyola received 150 points in the Preseason Poll, including 12 of 20 first place votes. Last years winner, Boston, received 142 points with 8 first place votes, followed by American with 135 points, followed by Colgate with 103 points.
The Greyhounds open the season on August 22 against NJIT, before their home opener against Iona on August 29.
2024 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Maryland, 150 points (12 first-place votes)
2. Boston University, 142 (8)
3. American, 135
4. Colgate, 103
5. Lafayette, 98
6. Navy, 81
7. Army West Point, 60
8. Holy Cross, 51
T9. Bucknell, 40
T9. Lehigh, 40
