Grant Bailey Drafted by D.C. United, Stays Committed to Loyola

Grant Bailey, a second-year defender on the Loyola men’s soccer team, became the fifth player in program history to be selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft Dec. 20. 

Taken 86th overall by D.C. United, Bailey became the highest Rambler picked since midfielder Billy Hency was taken 67th overall by Chicago Fire FC in 2022. 

The draft is comprised of collegiate athletes who are second-years or above, former college players who left college at least one season before the draft and any players made available by the league, such as pre-signed international players. The draft itself includes a total of three rounds and 90 total picks.

D.C. United had the tenth overall pick after finishing 10-10-14 this past season, but the pick to draft Bailey was acquired via trade with Los Angeles FC. D.C. traded the rights to goalkeeper David Ochoa for LA’s third-round pick Aug. 25, which then became the 26th pick in the third round and the 86th pick overall.

However, Bailey’s selection doesn’t mean the end of his career with Loyola. 

Despite being taken following his second season at Loyola, Bailey isn’t going anywhere as he has two remaining years of eligibility. While he can leave at any time to sign with the club, Bailey said he’ll return to Loyola for the 2025 season. Whether he’ll stay after that is unknown. 

If Bailey plays his final two seasons at Loyola, D.C. will still own his professional rights until Dec. 31, 2026. 

After being drafted, Bailey expressed excitement for his collegiate career and future pro career in a statement to Loyola Athletics.

“I am extremely grateful to have the honor of being drafted by D.C. United,” Bailey said. “I am also so thankful for the opportunity and support from Loyola that has helped me get to this point. I am super excited to return to Loyola and continue developing here to help push me to this next level!”

Bailey was one of three first-years to earn a starting spot during the 2023 season, where he contributed to the best defensive unit in the Atlantic 10 conference, allowing only 15 goals in 15 games. 

2024 wasn’t as successful of a season for Loyola, as they allowed 1.75 goals a game, but Bailey saw his role on the team grow as he started 12 of 15 games for Loyola and scored his first collegiate goal in a 2-2 draw against the University of Dayton.

With two years left with the Ramblers, Bailey aims to contribute to Loyola’s first conference championship since joining the A10 which would be the team’s first conference title since 2019 before he heads pro.