The America East Conference released its preseason coaches' poll this week, positioning the Binghamton University women's soccer team firmly in the upper tier of the league. The Bearcats earned a second‑place finish with 53 points, trailing only the University of Maine, which captured the top spot with 60 points and four first‑place votes.
Vermont secured third place with 53 points and a single first‑place vote, setting the stage for a competitive three‑team battle at the top of the conference. Binghamton's high placement reflects both the program's recent consistency and the expectations built around its returning talent.
Preseason Honors
Binghamton distinguished itself by placing five players on the preseason all‑conference team, the most of any squad in the league. The honorees — Sophia Garofalo, Paige Luke, Jahkaya Davis, Anna Buckwalter, and Rebecca Kessler — join a select group of athletes recognized for their potential impact in the upcoming season.
No other program managed more than two selections, underscoring the Bearcats' depth and the coaching staff's ability to develop talent. Each of the five players brings a blend of experience and fresh energy that should bolster the team's attacking and defensive units.
Head coach Neel Bhattacharjee returns nine starters and six all‑conference selections from the 2025 roster, a continuity that has already translated into on‑field chemistry. The 2025 squad posted a 10‑2‑5 record, captured a third regular‑season crown in the past four years, and limited opponents to just three conference defeats over the same span, yielding a 77 % win rate in league play.
Building on that momentum, the Bearcats open their 2026 campaign at home against Lehigh on August 13. The matchup will serve as the first test of a schedule that promises several high‑profile non‑conference opponents, and it will give fans an early glimpse of how the newly minted all‑conference lineup performs under game conditions.
Looking Ahead
With a strong recruiting class, a seasoned coaching staff, and a core group of returning starters, Binghamton aims to translate its preseason accolades into a championship‑contending season. The early home game against Lehigh will be a crucial indicator of the team's readiness and will set the tone for the battles ahead in the America East.