Rematch of local NCAA Division I teams offers showcase for Loyola’s state-of-the-art Ridley Athletic Complex
Loyola University Maryland’s men’s soccer team will welcome the University of Maryland Terrapins to the Ridley Athletic Complex on Tuesday, Sept. 14. The game, which begins at 7 p.m., marks the teams’ first rematch since the 2009 NCAA College Cup, when the Terps defeated the Greyhounds in the first round of tournament play.
The event also features pre-game festivities including a kids zone, soccer shootout, an appearance by the Greyhound mascot, and more. It also serves as an opportunity for Greyhound fans throughout Baltimore and beyond to experience the excitement of the inaugural soccer season at Loyola’s Ridley Athletic Complex, a state-of-the-art 6,000-seat facility that marked its grand opening in March during lacrosse season. Other facility features include a Sportexe Momentum synthetic turf competition field; video scoreboard; practice field; training facilities; locker rooms for home teams, visitors, coaches and officials; athletics staff offices; press, presidential, and VIP boxes; concession areas; and event space.
"Our community’s passion for soccer is intense and continues to grow, especially in the wake of the excitement of this summer’s World Cup,” said Loyola President Brian F. Linnane, S.J. “The Ridley Athletic Complex offers a place for all fans throughout our region to enjoy the excitement of Division I Greyhounds soccer in a world-class facility designed with the unique qualities of soccer and lacrosse in mind.”
The event also offers a chance for fans to catch a match-up between two outstanding teams. Loyola, which plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), has reached the College Cup tournament the past three consecutive years, while Maryland, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, captured the tournament crown in 2005 and 2008. Loyola returns 10 seniors from the team that won the 2009 MAAC Championship and is the preseason favorite to win the MAAC this year. Maryland enters this year ranked No. 6 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Preseason Top 25 rankings.
“This is a great chance for our program to showcase our new facility and an excellent opportunity for local soccer fans to enjoy top-level Division I soccer,” said Mark Mettrick, head coach of the Greyhounds.
Gates open at 5 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit www.loyola.edu/ridleyathletic. For more information on all Loyola Greyhounds teams, including fall 2010 schedules, visit www.loyolagreyhounds.com.
For more information or questions regarding this story, contact Media Relations Manager Nick Alexopulos at nalexopulos@loyola.edu or 410-617-5025.