The No. 13 Loyola men’s soccer team is slated to appear in its first NCAA Division I men’s soccer tournament since 2011. The Ramblers will face cross-town rival University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) after earning the university’s first ever at-large bid into the tournament.
Head coach Neil Jones, who assumed his position in 2012, is making his third appearance at the tournament.
Loyola’s first at-large bid shows how Jones and his staff have improved the program, according to redshirt senior midfielder and co-captain Ryan Howe.
“Getting an at-large bid is very impressive, and to do it at Loyola for the first time ever is unreal and very exciting,” said the Rockford, Illinois, native.