The Hofstra University men’s soccer team snapped their two-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Columbia University at Captains Field on Sept. 23.

“It’s a great win, and we’ve come off of two days [of] rest and then play against these guys,” said Richard Nuttall, Hofstra’s head soccer coach. “They knocked the ball around well, but I didn’t think they caused problems most of the game.”

Jan Ziewiec and Aaron Basenach found the back of the net in the contest for their first collegiate goals.

Hofstra came out aggressively on both sides of the ball, maintaining possession for the majority of the first half.

“I thought we did a good job again, and I thought we were in control of the game,” Nuttall said. “I think the stats will show that.”

Fifteen minutes into the first half, Columbia conceded a foul that awarded the Pride a free kick. Stefano Campisi delivered the ball into the box for Ziewiec, who headed it in for the first score of the game.

The Lions made seven substitutions in the first half as they tried to create an offense. They recorded just two shots, with one shot on goal.

“We’ve done really well with shots on goal and that’s one of the things you try to eliminate,” Nuttall said. “I’m very, very pleased.”

The start of the second half was the same for the Pride; they came out aggressive and prevented the Lions from gaining any momentum.

Daniel Burko, who came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, intercepted the ball from Columbia and found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Dean Kelliher. A nice acrobatic attempt from Kelliher prevented the Pride from breaking the game open.

The Pride extended their lead in the 78th minute after a long throw-in lead to a loose ball in the penalty box. Basenach took advantage and snuck one home inside the near post.

The Lions recorded nine shots in the second half but struggled to find accuracy as most sailed over the net. Columbia answered in the 86th minute after Jack McDaid fired a 21-yard free kick off the crossbar for his second goal of the season.

“I’m a little upset that we gave up the goal,” Nutall said. “A bit [of] lazy feet around the box.”

The Pride recorded nine corner kicks and limited their opponent to just two shots on goal in the contest, all season highs.

Hofstra looked to start a winning streak when they visited Drexel University on Sept. 27. Kickoff from Vidas Field was set for 1 p.m.