By Joe Pantorno, Assistant Sports Editor
Soccer, when played correctly, is a game of beauty, fluidity and emotion. A majority of this entertainment can be found in a squad’s strike force as they try to lead their team to victory. When watching senior forward Salma Tarik and junior forward Laura Greene, it is easy to identify an entertaining side in the Hofstra Pride offense.
In their first full season together as starters last year, Tarik and Greene both put up impressive numbers for the Pride. Tarik scored a team leading ten goals and added four assists while Greene led the team in assists with eight and slotted three goals of her own as the Pride finished with a solid 11-5-3 record. The time spent on and off the field together has created a bond between the two teammates that is wreaking havoc upon defenses around the nation.
“We just really have a great combination between the two of us,” said Greene.
“After playing together for two years now, I just know where she is going to, when I play the ball in,” added Tarik.
So far this season, the striking pair has been working together fantastically as they have combined for seven goals (Tarik with five, Greene with two), helping Hofstra win four straight after a 5-0 loss to Boston College to open the season. Wins included a pair of 3-1 triumphs during its travels to Indiana as they took down Purdue University and Indiana University. At least one of these strikers has recorded a point in each of the Pride’s four wins, a stat that can boost the confidence of any team.
In this quick start, both girls realize that their counterpart adds something very valuable to the team.
“Salma is just so composed out there,” said Greene. “She is technically awesome and has a great eye for the game and knows what is going on.”
“Laura is extremely fast,” stated Tarik. “She can probably beat anyone one on one. She gets down the line every time and either scores or assists every time she touches the ball.”
Off the field, the two roommates also make time for each other to strengthen their compatibility. “We have been friends since we got here,” said Tarik. “We always have dinner and we try to get the rest of the team involved and it helps when the team is a lot more organized and together.”
Not only does team organization and unity make it easier for the players, but also it relieves some of the pressure of being a head coach for the man in charge, Simon Riddiough. Riddiough knows just how special his strike force his not only as players, but as team leaders. “Greene is just getting better and better,” said Riddiough. “Her versatility up top makes my job much easier.” Riddiough’s praises continued to Tarik as he claimed, “she is the most talented player, she’s fantastic.”
The appreciative feelings are mutual between coach and strikers as Greene and Tarik have a deep respect for their coach. “He’s a great coach,” said Greene. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
“I agree,” said Tarik. “Having practices with him can be fun and tough at the same time, but no matter what, we always have fun with him.”
Joining Tarik and Greene in the starting front line for the Pride is senior Kayla Pifer. Pifer, who started all 19 of the Pride’s games last year scored two goals. Freshman Amber Stobbs should help spell Pifer up front, as will graduate student Grace Hawkins. Hawkins has two goals and one assist so far on the year. The depth up front allows Riddiough to substitue liberally, keeping his talented players legs fresh. Junior midfielder Courtney Breen also has contributed offensively, tallying two goals and two assists on the season.
The prolific Pride offense looks to keep the fun times going and hopes to put its mark on the NCAA. In order for that to happen though, the ball needs to keep hitting the back of the net and the stellar play of roommates Laura Greene and Salma Tarik will have to continue. With the quality that these girls possess, this should only be the beginning of successful times for the Hofstra women’s soccer team.
Junior forward Laura Green (5) dribbles past a Fordham defender. (Sean M. Gates/ The Chronicle)
