By Jake Nussbaum (Assistant Sports Editor)
The Hofstra women’s soccer team was riding high early last week as it rallied to come back and defeat the University of Delaware 3-1, but the excitement didn’t last as Hofstra then lost to their division rival Drexel University 3-0 on Sunday.

“It was a fairly successful week…both teams are very difficult to play,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “We were hoping the momentum would carry us through the Drexel game, but Drexel hasn’t been beaten at home in two years so we knew it would be difficult.”

Hofstra (8-5, 4-1 Colonial Athletic Association) was down one to nothing early in the game against Delaware (7-6, 4-2 CAA), but they managed to pull out a victory by scoring three goals in the second period to stay perfect 5-0 at home.

Freshman forward Leah Galton led the Pride with both the game tying goal and the go ahead goal in the second half.

“Delaware the first half dominated us…. at halftime we spoke about what we needed to do like play with more courage,” said Riddiough. “It was good for us to come back from a one to zero halftime deficit…to compete and make a game of it was a fantastic confidence booster for everybody involved.”

Sophomore midfielder Lulu Echeverry also scored an important insurance goal Thursday night, which helped Hofstra keep Delaware from tying the game late. Hofstra was outshot in the first period ten to four, yet the Pride kept its composure and went on to outshoot Delaware in the second period eight to four.

Junior goalkeeper Emily Morphitis played another stellar game only allowing one goal on Delaware’s six shots on goal.

The momentum didn’t last as long as Riddiough and the Pride had hoped as Hofstra fell to Drexel (10-2-2, 4-1-1 CAA) on Sunday afternoon being shut out.

“They did a good job, we couldn’t get quality chances,” said Riddiough “It was your typical second game of the week. Both teams looked tired, and both teams looked like zero to zero was the way the game would go.”

The shots per period were pretty even for Drexel and Hofstra, with Hofstra taking three more shots than Drexel, but it wasn’t enough.

Morphitis had a rough game as she allowed three goals and had no saves.

“We thought that whoever made the first mistake would fall, and unfortunately, we made the first mistake,” said Riddiough. “They capitalized, and Drexel was able to push forward.”

Galton lead the pride in shooting once again taking four shots, yet Drexel was able to beat the Pride behind their senior midfielder Courtney Wiley who scored two of Drexel’s three goals on just three shots. Wiley also managed to get an assist on Drexel’s other goal.

Looking ahead Hofstra will be facing George Mason University on Friday night and Towson University on Sunday afternoon, both home games.

Both games are conference games, which will give the Pride a chance to better their conference record after a disappointing split in CAA play this weekend.

“We just have to play hard,” said Riddiough. “We have to show up and earn the right to play in this conference.”