Led by three preseason first-team picks, including McDonogh School grad Gigi Mangione, Loyola College’s women’s soccer team has been selected the favorite to win the Metro Athletic Association Conference by league coaches. The Greyhounds claimed the regular season and tournament crown last season
Mangione, a sophomore midfielder, was the most valuable player in last year’s tournament, recording game-tying goals in the semifinal against Canisius and the title game Niagara. Mangione was a two-time All-Metro first-team pick by the Baltimore Sun.
The Greyhounds also have locals Jessie Knight (Perry Hall), Jennifer Thornton (Severna Park), Brittany Yancey (River Hill) and Kelsey Donohue (Mercy) on the roster. Loyola opens the season against neighborhood rival Towson Saturday evening.
The Loyola men are the preseason pick in the MAAC after claiming the crown in 2009. Cesar Ramos (Archbishop Curley), Zach Kane (Perry Hall), Kyle Wittman (Calvert Hall College), Wade McHugh (McDonogh), Mike Deasel (Loyola Blakefield) and Vince DiPino (Dulaney) will suit up for the Greyhounds this fall.
