Bucknell University Athletics Receives Prestigious Preseason Honors

Bucknell University Athletics continues to gain recognition and respect in the world of collegiate soccer. The team received two notable preseason honors: Senior goalkeeper Freddie Lapworth was voted as the Patriot League Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, and fellow senior Jimmy Pombor was named to the Preseason All-Patriot League Team. Lapworth, the reigning PL Goalkeeper of the Year, has had a stellar career, including being named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team and the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch List for the upcoming campaign. Pombor, a transfer from Lock Haven, had an incredible debut season for the Bison, starting in all 17 regular season matches and helping the team control the midfield. He also provided crucial assists and scored key goals, including an 83rd-minute game-winner against Colgate.

Key Takeaways:

Freddie Lapworth was voted as the Patriot League Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year, marking the second consecutive year he has received this honor.
Jimmy Pombor was named to the Preseason All-Patriot League Team after a standout debut season for the Bison.
Lapworth has been named to the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeepers to Watch List for the upcoming campaign.
Pombor started in all 17 regular season matches and helped the Bison control the midfield, notching three points on the scoresheet late in the season.
Lapworth's eight clean sheets last season ranked ninth among D1 programs and seventh-most in program history for a single season.
Bucknell's incredible turnaround season in 2024 saw the Bison jump from last place to first place in the Patriot League and win the Patriot League Championship under head coach Dave Brandt.
The Bison were picked to finish second in the preseason poll, with 70 points, just behind Boston University's 75 points.

Statistics:

2024-2025 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll:

+ 1. Boston University, 75 (4 first-place votes)

+ 2. Bucknell, 70 (4 first-place votes)

+ 3. American, 67 (2 first-place votes)

+ 4. Loyola Maryland, 54

+ 5. Colgate, 49

+ 6. Lehigh, 40

Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Major Awards:

+ Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Troy Elgersma, American

+ Preseason Midfielder of the Year: Diego Rived, Boston University

+ Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Quin DeLaMater, Boston University

+ Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year: Fred Lapworth, Bucknell

Sources:

"Lapworth and Pombor Earn Preseason Honors" (Bucknell University Athletics)
2025 Patriot League Men's Soccer Preseason Poll and All-League Team
United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team and Goalkeepers to Watch List
Bucknell University Athletics website and social media channels