League names Evans preseason offensive POY

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Kyle Evans was arguably the best forward in the Patriot League in 2007, according to Lehigh men’s soccer head coach Dean Koski. Now, the rest of the league has figured that out too.

The Patriot League released its annual preseason awards today, naming Evans the league’s preseason offensive player of the year for 2008.

“I’m sure that coaches in the league see him as one of the best forwards, if not the best forward,” Koski said. “He’s tremendously competitive, and he can change the game with one or two good runs.”

The awards are voted on by the Patriot League’s 16 coaches and sports information directors. Colgate’s David Cappuccio was named defensive player of the year for the preseason.

This isn’t the first time Evans has been given a preseason honor this season, as he became the first Mountain Hawk ever to be named to the Hermann Trophy watch list last week. The Hermann Trophy is considered by many to be the highest honor in soccer, and it is awarded to the player of the year at the Division-I level.

“I think things like that are more of a bonus,” Evans said about winning awards. “The goal for me is, obviously, winning a Patriot League title.”

Evans led the Mountain Hawks in goals (11), points (25), shots (47), shots on goal (23) and game-winning goals (3) in 2007. He finished the season atop the Patriot League in goals and points, and ranked 20th in Division-I in points per game and 14th in goals per game.

Evans received several awards for his impressive sophomore season, including being named First Team All-Patriot League and First Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region.

The Patriot League also announced its preseason poll on Thursday, projecting the Mountain Hawks to finish fifth in the league. Lehigh received 59 points in the poll, two fewer than archrival Lafayette in fourth place.

Colgate sits atop the preseason poll, earning 13 of the 16 first-place votes after claiming the Patriot League Championship in 2007. Holy Cross and Bucknell each received a first place vote. Army, which finished seventh in the poll, was given one first place vote despite only earning 29 points.

Lehigh opens its season on Friday at 5 p.m., when the Mountain Hawks take on Richmond at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Complete video and audio coverage of the match are available at Lehighsports.com with Steve Lomangino providing the commentary.

2008 Patriot League Preseason Awards

Offensive player of the year – Kyle Evans, Lehigh

Defensive player of the year – David Cappuccio, Colgate

2008 Patriot League Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll

Team (# First Place Votes)	Points
1. Colgate (13)	94
2. Holy Cross (1)	76
3. Bucknell (1)	62
4. Lafayette	61
5. LEHIGH	59
6. American	46
7. Army (1)	29
8. Navy	21

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus #6 Lafayette on November 15, 2025 , Tie , 1, to, 1

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus #4 Boston University on November 11, 2025 , Win , 1, to, 0

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Lafayette on November 4, 2025 , Tie , 1, to, 1

Completed Event: Men's Soccer at Colgate on October 31, 2025 , Tie , 0, to, 0

Completed Event: Men's Soccer at Boston University on October 25, 2025 , Win , 2, to, 0

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Seton Hall on October 21, 2025 , Loss , 1, to, 5

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Bucknell on October 18, 2025 , Win , 2, to, 1

Lehigh University Athletics

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