Loyola Chicago will kick off its 2026 women's soccer campaign on August 12, hosting Central Michigan at Loyola Soccer Park. The match is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff and will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the opening night of the season.
Second‑year head coach Jon Sandoval, who guided the Ramblers to a fifth‑place finish in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll with 133 points, has assembled a coaching staff that includes new assistant Camryn Hart. Hart, previously an assistant at Purdue Fort Wayne, joined Sandoval during the 2026 offseason, adding fresh tactical depth to the program.
Key Players to Watch
Among the returning standouts, midfielder Zoe Hevey earned preseason recognition by being named to both the IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy list and the Atlantic 10 Preseason All‑Conference Team. In the 2025 season she led the team with 16 points, including five goals and six assists, while taking 67 shots and 27 on‑goal. Goalkeeper Allison Deardorff started every one of Loyola’s 19 games last year, posting 89 saves, nine shutouts and a .817 save percentage.
Central Michigan arrives with a different narrative. Under first‑year head coach James DeCosemo, the Chippewas posted a 1‑14‑3 overall record and a 1‑8‑3 mark in conference play during the 2025 season. DeCosemo’s background includes a stint as an assistant at Western Michigan, where he helped the team capture the Mid‑American Conference title in 2025.
Historical matchups favor the Ramblers, who have won three of the last four meetings against Central Michigan. A 1‑0 road victory in 2025 saw Abby Sudkamp score her first career goal, underscoring the team’s ability to find scoring opportunities in tight games.
With the season opener fast approaching, the combination of a strong returning core, strategic coaching additions, and a favorable broadcast platform positions Loyola Chicago to start the year on a positive note. Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere at Loyola Soccer Park as the team looks to translate preseason optimism into on‑field results.