Two Army West Point men's soccer players, Kelly Cooper and Jubril Bamgbala, have been named to the 2026 Preseason All-Patriot League Team. Both seniors, Cooper, a defender, and Bamgbala, a forward, are recognized for their outstanding contributions during the previous season. Cooper led the team in minutes played and defensive plays, while Bamgbala had a breakout season, scoring five goals and leading in shots on goal. Their performances were pivotal in securing Army's position as the No. 3 seed in the prior year's Patriot League Championship.

By the Numbers
  • Kelly Cooper played 1,615 minutes and helped achieve eight shutouts in 2025.
  • Jubril Bamgbala scored five goals and recorded 10 points during his junior season.
State of Play
  • Army's men's soccer team is currently ranked 6th in the 2026 Patriot League Preseason Poll.
  • They are positioned behind American, Boston University, and Lehigh, who are leading the poll.
What's Next

The upcoming season will see both Cooper and Bamgbala leverage their talents to help improve Army's ranking and secure a playoff position. With their election to the preseason team, expectations are high for their performance against rival teams.

Bottom Line

Cooper and Bamgbala's recognition as preseason all-conference players highlights their critical role in Army's soccer program. Their individual skills contribute not only to their personal accolades but also to the team's overall aspirations for a successful campaign this season.