The Hofstra University men’s soccer team suffered its second consecutive loss on Saturday, Sept. 20, falling 1-0 to Monmouth University at
The game was scoreless until the 83rd minute, when Monmouth’s Raul Garcia split through defenders in the box for a shot that deflected off a Pride defender and past goalkeeper Gino Cervoni for the only score of the game.
The Pride came out of the gate dictating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, none of the opportunities materialized into points, despite leading the game in shots (19-8), shots on goal (5-1) and corners (7-6).
Laurie Goddard, who leads the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in goals, had six shots out of Hofstra’s 19. One of his best chances came in the earliest minutes of the first-half from an attacking cross from Daniel Burko, where Goddard’s sliding shot went over the crossbar in front of the net.
Many chances for the Pride came from crosses into the box, but they never quite set up for an attempted shot. Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall believes the team is finishing in some areas could improve.
“I’d like to see a little bit more composure in their box,” Nuttall said. “I thought we should have shown a little bit more bravery in the box, getting our heads in there, where we need to get dives, attack the ball with some conviction.”
Monmouth goalkeeper Herman Johnsen had four saves, while
Throughout the scoring drought, the Pride played their typical physical style, committing 19 fouls and receiving four yellow cards.
“Those yellows; it’s almost insignificant to the game, but once you’re on a yellow, then you have to be a little bit more careful in your play, so understandably they do affect the game,” Nutall said.
After the Monmouth goal, the Pride’s offense grew desperate, taking multiple shots at the goal. Reserve Joe Duffy and midfielder Samuel Francou had strong chances in the final minutes. Garcia and the Monmouth defense stood tall though, withstanding Hofstra’s attack and locking down the crucial conference win.
The Pride’s record now stands at 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the CAA following the loss, while Monmouth improved to 4-3 overall and 2-1-1 in the CAA with the win. The shutout loss was the Pride’s second of the season, both by 1-0 scores.
“We’re doing what we should be doing, and we just haven’t finished one,” Nuttall said. “It’s a cruel game.”
The Pride will look to end their two-game losing streak in their next matchup against Columbia University.
“We’ve got to understand what we did well, and what we didn’t do well, and really get back on the horse and get ready for Tuesday’s next game,” Nuttall said.
The Pride hosted Columbia University on Tuesday, Sept. 23, with the kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Captains Field.
