By Alex Hyman, Staff Writer
The Hofstra Men’s soccer team began its season on August 26th at home against Iona College. Sophomore goalkeeper Roberto Pellegrini was given the start over senior Cumpstone, a topic that was heavily debated before the season began.
In the twenty-fifth minute, the Gaels took a 1-0 lead when a brilliant pass from Franklin Castellanos carved through the Hofstra defense to find a streaking run from Samuel Adjei, who put his chance in the back of the net despite Pellegrini getting a piece of the shot.
In the second half the Gaels were able to get one more past Pellegrini when another stroke of Castellanos’ class found the head of Adam Rohan in the center of the box to put the game away at 2-0.
Sophomore midfielder Chris Griebsch led the squad with three shots, though none were able to find its way on goal. Sophomore defender Tyler Botte, who was substituted into the game, recorded the Pride’s only shot on goal.
The second game of the season brought different fortunes for the Pride as it took on the Great Danes of Albany.
After an early goal for the Great Danes, Griebsch scored his and the Pride’s first goal of the season to tie the game at one.
Sophomore midfielder Florian Popp gave the Pride a 2-1 lead in the forty-eighth minute, but the Great Danes tied the match just ten minutes later which would stand for the rest of regulation.
Four minutes into overtime, the Pride took advantage of a corner kick when junior Mike Annarumma delivered a crisp cross to senior Brett Carrington who headed home the game-winning goal.
The Pride is 1-1 through two games as it hits the road for three in state games against St. Francis, Colgate and Cornell. The Pride’s next home game takes place on Saturday, September 24 against North Carolina- Wilmington.
Sophomore midfielder Chris Griebsch (21) scored the Pride’s first goal of the season against Albany (The Chronicle File Photo)
