Saint Francis Men's Soccer Heads To Loyola Maryland For First Meeting In Nearly A Decade

Men's Soccer | 9/8/2025 10:00:00 AM

OPENING PITCH VS LOYOLA MARYLAND
Saint Francis and Loyola Maryland have met six times since 2011, with the series evenly split at 2–2–2. The Red Flash have claimed both of their victories at home, including a 2–0 win in the most recent meeting on August 29, 2016. On the road, however, Saint Francis is still searching for its first win against the Greyhounds, posting a 0–2–1 record in Baltimore. Tuesday night's contest at Ridley Athletic Complex marks the first matchup between the two programs in nearly a decade, as the Red Flash aim to earn their first road victory in the series — and their first win of the 2025 season.

THE WORD ON THE GREYHOUNDS
The Greyhounds opened the season with a 2–0 victory over NJIT at Ridley Athletic Complex but have since dropped decisions to Syracuse (1–0), Penn (4–0), and Delaware (4–0). Offensively, Loyola was led by Jack Endacott and Nick Turturro, who each scored one goal, while David Williams contributed an assist. Between the pipes, goalkeeper Connor O'Keefe started all four matches, recording 13 saves.

LAST TIME WE MET
Saint Francis earned a 2–0 victory over Loyola Maryland on August 29, 2016, at Stokes Soccerplex. Freshman CJ Smolyn broke the scoreless deadlock just before halftime, finishing a cross from Dominic Ramirez for his first collegiate goal. In the second half, Jack Webber added insurance in the 75th minute, cleaning up a rebound to secure the win. The Red Flash controlled play throughout, outshooting the Greyhounds 9–6 and placing all six of their shots on frame. Goalkeeper Marcus Rojas earned the clean sheet without facing a shot on goal, while Saint Francis also held a 4–2 edge in corner kicks.

NEXT TIME OUT
Saint Francis will travel to Pittsburgh for a midweek clash against Duquesne on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00 p.m. at Rooney Field. The Red Flash will then return home to Stokes Soccerplex on Tuesday, September 23, for a 2:00 p.m. non-conference matchup against Bucknell.

LAST TIME OUT
Saint Francis men's soccer fell 2–0 to Robert Morris on Thursday afternoon at Stokes Soccerplex. Volkan Celikkol created pressure in the attacking third, registering a shot on goal and helping to generate early chances. Freshman defender Connor O'Keefe made his presence felt upfield with two shots, including one on frame. Senior goalkeeper Braeden Sorensen anchored the back line with two saves.

PRESEASON POLL
Saint Francis men's soccer was picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Poll. Mercyhurst, which won the NEC regular season, and LIU, which won the NEC Tournament, have been selected as co-preseason favorites after LIU earned three first-place votes and Mercyhurst garnered five. FDU picked up the remaining two top votes, while Le Moyne, Saint Francis, Stonehill, New Haven, Howard, Chicago State, and CCSU rounded out the poll. Mercyhurst and New Haven are both ineligible for the postseason.

INTERNATIONAL FLARE
Head coach Mads Kaiser has nine players that have come from outside the United States: Volkan Celikkol (Turkey), Alex De Nittis(Germany), Harry Elmore (England), Alejandro Escobar (Columbia), Diego Garciarena (Paraguay), Álvaro Planas (Spain), Julian Quiroga(Bolivia), Harvey Skurek (England), Mika Wernicke (Germany) and Jonah Wolf (Germany).

ABOUT THE COACH
Head coach Mads Kaiser has nine players that have come from outside the United States: Volkan Celikkol (Turkey), Alex De Nittis(Germany), Harry Elmore (England), Alejandro Escobar (Columbia), Diego Garciarena (Paraguay), Álvaro Planas (Spain), Julian Quiroga(Bolivia), Harvey Skurek (England), Mika Wernicke (Germany) and Jonah Wolf (Germany).

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