The Atlantic 10 Conference’s preseason poll for women’s soccer has already sparked conversation among coaches and fans, with Dayton emerging as the clear favorite. The Flyers received nine first‑place votes, underscoring the league’s belief in their depth and experience heading into the upcoming campaign.
Preseason Favorites and Early Rankings
Saint Louis followed in second place with three first‑place votes, while Rhode Island claimed third with a single top vote. Behind them, the Fordham Rams were positioned fourth, a placement that reflects both the program’s recent progress and the tough competition within the conference.
Fordham’s ascent is notable because it marks the Rams’ first appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championship semifinals since 2015. That milestone has set higher expectations for the squad, and the coaching staff believes the team is poised to build on that momentum.
All‑Conference Honors for Rams’ Stars
Lena Johnsen, a key midfielder for Fordham, earned a spot on the preseason All‑Conference team for the second straight year. Her consistent performance placed her second on the Rams’ scoring list with 12 points — four goals and four assists — during the previous season, highlighting her dual threat on the field.
Freshman forward Renata Mercedes also received All‑Conference recognition and was named Atlantic 10 Co‑Rookie of the Year in 2025. Mercedes started 19 of the 20 games she appeared in, contributing three goals and four assists while helping six Rams finish with double‑digit points.
Season Opener Against a Ranked Opponent
The Rams will open their season on August 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Washington, D.C., facing 14th‑ranked Georgetown. The matchup represents the first meeting between the two programs and offers a early test against a top‑ten opponent, setting the tone for the rest of the schedule.
Beyond the opener, the Rams are slated to encounter a slate of strong competition, including Loyola Chicago, Duquesne, VCU, and La Salle, all of which were featured in the top eight of the preseason poll. The coaching staff remains focused on leveraging the experience gained from last season’s semifinal run to navigate a demanding conference calendar.