By Doug Bonjour

In a season filled with disappointing play and crucial injuries, the Hofstra men’s soccer team entered the weekend in need of an uplifting win. A close 2-0 loss to No.4 Connecticut last Wednesday dropped the Pride to 0-3-1 on the year, but the Pride left the loss feeling more confident about themselves than they had at any other time in the young season. Hofstra displayed more fight than in previous games, staying toe-to-toe with Connecticut until the 88th minute, when a Connecticut goal put the game out of reach.

In order to get that elusive first win, the Pride knew they would have to do so against some of the nation’s toughest competition. Hofstra, who had already faced teams with a combined 20-3-2 record, welcomed in perennial-power San Diego and a surprisingly undefeated Loyola of Maryland team to begin their home slate of games.

However, to the dismay of the Pride and the hundreds of fans who gathered to cheer on the team in the crisp and rainy conditions against San Diego, the first 80 minutes of the home opener looked as though the result would be no different than the Pride’s previous three games. After a San Diego goal with 25:15 remaining left Hofstra trailing 3-1, the Hofstra Soccer Stadium turned silent and the players stood dejected.

Even with a two goal deficit, the Pride knew they were down, but not out.

“A lot of heads went down right away,” said Senior forward Ray Hassett, but the team was able to find the leadership necessary to make a comeback.

“A lot of the leaders picked it up and the guys in the back stepped it up and we brought it together,” replied Hassett.

The thrilling comeback that the Pride was about to put together began with a goal by Senior midfielder Chris Cox with 8:28 left, lessening the deficit to 3-2. The goal was the first of the season for Cox and one that Head Coach Richard Nuttall believed gave the team the confidence to bring themselves back.

“The second goal was the key goal. It gave them the inspiration,” said Nuttall.

This inspiration surely carried the Pride, as nearly five minutes later, Hassett tied the game with a header off a cross from Sophomore defenseman Richard Martinez. The goal, which was Hassett’s first on the season, came only one minute after he headed away a potential San Diego goal.

Hassett’s heroics helped bring the game into overtime, where freshman forward John Alberda capped off the improbable comeback with his first-career goal, sending both the Pride and their fans home happy.

The goal was both memorable for Alberda and beneficial for the team.

“The goal definitely ranks at the top of my list. It was a great feeling. It feels good to help the team out,” said Alberda.

Following the comeback, Nuttall spoke highly of his team’s performance.

“We beat a very good San Diego team and for our boys to dig deep and come back like that was awesome. I’ve got to give credit to the character of the players.”

The win improved Hofstra’s record to 1-3-1 and gave them a boost of confidence heading into their match-up with a 5-0 Loyola of Maryland team.

However, unfortunately for the Pride, the boost of confidence that they gained in their comeback win did not help them produce a victory in the following game. Despite a barrage of shots and scoring opportunities against the Loyola defense, Hofstra was unable to score, as they were defeated 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored off a cross from a Loyola direct kick with 10:33 remaining in the contest.

Even though the loss was just as frustrating as any other for the Pride, Nuttall felt the team played well enough to win.

“The loss is extremely disappointing but the way we played wasn’t. I thought we were dominant and we dominated the game except for one set piece,” said Nuttall.

The set piece on which Loyola scored from was awarded after Hofstra was whistled for a foul near their own goal. The call was one in which Nuttall disagreed with.

“I don’t think that was a free kick in a million years but they gave it.”

The Pride will attempt to rebound from a loss once again Wednesday when they host Fairleigh Dickinson.

Ray Hassett (No. 3) watches as Loyola wins the header. Hassett scored the game-tying goal against San Diego two days before. (Keith Meilink)

Freshman John Alberda scored the game-winner for Hofstra in their first victory of the season. His efforts earned him CAA Rookie of the Week honors. (Keith Meilink)