Overview: Loyola would like to forget the end of the 2015 season all together if they do not believe in bulletin board material. The end of last season came at the hands of West Point, in the Patriot League Tournament. This was the earliest end to a season at Loyola that one can remember, not making a single game in May. The seniors that won a National Championship during their freshman season, lost without a chance at redemption. The 2016 Greyhounds want to prove that last season ended as a fluke.
Strengths: Youth – Graduation did not destroy the ranks and throw the coaching staff into desperation looking for replacements this offseason. The coaching staff has the ability to mold the talent that they have already, while trying to plug in some new faces into the lineup to get them back into the Top 10. But with youth, a team needs veteran leadership.
The Greyhounds have that leadership to guide the youth movement at Ridley. Senior Zach Herreweyers led the team with fifty goals last season. Junior Brian Sherlock led the midfield with 32 goals. Both are preseason All-American candidates. The midfield is also waiting for the emergence of players like junior Romar Dennis to take control of the offense
Weaknesses: Defense – David Manning went down with a season ending injury before the year got going in 2015 and his absence was noticeable. Loyola averaged over 10 goals per game given up, which is not typical of a Charlie Toomey coached team. His return, as well as the addition of Joe Fletcher to the coaching staff, looks to bring calm to the backline for the Greyhounds. With their goalie returning for his sophomore season after a year under his belt, Grant Limone could be just what the doctor ordered for the Greyhounds defensive woes.
Top Returnee: Senior attackman Zach Herreweyers led all Greyhounds in goals and if he can add to his game, he could be one of the best in the nation this season.
Breakthrough Player: Jeff Chase is coming back from injury which will help Loyola, but look for Nick Mazza to be the breakthrough player for the Greyhounds. After competing last season with CCBC Essex, he has the potential to be an instant impact for the Greyhounds. His offensive capabilities led to an average of 3.7 points per game last season and transfers from Essex have translated well into NCAA competition.
