Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra University men's soccer team, the four-time defending CAA champions, were picked to finish first in the North Division and senior midfielder Laurie Goddard was named the Preseason CAA Player of the Year it was announced today by the conference office. Senior defender Gabriel Pacheco was named Honorable Mention Preseason All-CAA.

Hofstra is the first team in CAA history to win four consecutive conference championships and enters the season ranked No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. The Pride received 15 points to pace the North Division, followed by Monmouth (12), Drexel (11), Northeastern (7), and Stony Brook (5). Elon was picked to win the South Division with 15 points. Charleston and UNCW tied with 12 points, while William & Mary (6) was tabbed fourth and Campbell (5) was picked fifth.

Goddard (London, England) earned Preseason Player of the Year and a spot on the Preseason All-CAA team after tying for the team lead with 9 goals, 5 assists, and 23 points. He was a Second Team All-CAA and all-region pick and was the CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player. 

Pacheco (Curitiba, Brazil) earned honorable mention honors after starting 20 of 21 games on the Pride's back line in 2024. He was part of a defense that allowed just over one goal per game and recorded 10 shutouts. Pacheco also chipped in offensively with a goal and an assist. 

Hofstra will begin defense of their CAA title next Thursday, August 21, when it hosts Bucknell at Captains Field with a 7 p.m. kickoff.