Hofstra set to open the 2025 season at home against Bucknell, aiming for a fifth straight Colonial Athletic Association title and another NCAA appearance. No. 23 Hofstra will host Bucknell on Thursday at Captains Field with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The game will be streamed on FloCollege, with live statistics available as well.
The Pride’s returnees are anchored by two preseason honorees: Laurie Goddard, a preseason All-CAA pick, and Gabriel Pacheco, an honorable-mention preseason selection. Goddard produced nine goals and five assists last season, while Pacheco was a key figure on Hofstra’s defense and added one goal and one assist. Among the other notable returners are Owen Barnett (three assists), Pablo Hempelmann-Perez (one goal, two assists), Thengill Orrason (one goal, two assists), Aleksei Armas (one goal), and Jon Jelercic (one assist). Hofstra finished 2024 with a 14-5-2 record, earned the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Championship, and advanced to the second round, where they were edged 2-1 by eventual national champion Vermont. Ten players are back for Hofstra, including Goddard and Pacheco, helping to fuel the Pride’s continued pursuit of a conference title and a deep NCAA run.
Bucknell, Hofstra’s opening opponent, went 7-7-6 last season and captured the Patriot League championship. The Bison were eliminated by Providence in the first round of the NCAA Championship. Bucknell was picked second in the Patriot League preseason poll, with goalkeeper Freddie Lapworth named the league’s preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.
Head coach Richard Nuttall is entering his 37th and final season at Hofstra. The Pride lead Bucknell 4-3 all-time, and the two teams haven’t met since 1989. Hofstra has a strong history of opening-season success, going 13-5-5 in season openers since 2002 and 24-8-4 in home openers under Nuttall.
Following Thursday’s game, Hofstra will stay home for a Sunday night matchup against St. John’s, set for 7 p.m.
Outlook and context:
– With 10 returnees and two preseason all-conference selections, Hofstra brings experience and proven production up front and in the back line.
– Goddard’s scoring and Pacheco’s defensive leadership will be key as Hofstra looks to sustain its offensive balance and defensive discipline.
– Bucknell’s veteran presence and preseason recognition for Lapworth could pose a test early in the season.
– This game sets the tone for Hofstra’s chase of a conference title and another NCAA bid, with Nuttall guiding the program through his final season.
Overall, Hofstra enters 2025 in a strong position to build on last year’s success and keep momentum in a competitive CAA landscape, while Bucknell provides a meaningful early test on the home field.