Hofstra dropped its first game since opening conference play to previously ranked Virginia in a 1-0 low scoring affair undermining the great effort displayed by Alex Ashton’s six saves.
Unfortunately, six saves weren’t enough for Hofstra, as Virginia’s Edward Opoku was able to tap one in from six yards out in the 79th minute.
The Pride had started off conference play on an incredible roll, outscoring opponents by a 11-1 margin throughout the first four matches.
Although being able to overcome a 12-7 shot deficit in the last game against Delaware, the Pride couldn’t capitalize on their minimal shot attempts in this one with all eight of their attempts either ending up off target or in the hands of the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Virginia had 13 shots, with the game-winner bringing the Cavaliers to life after a fair share of missed opportunities.
Opportunities came and went for the Pride. Joseph Holland was unable to connect with the net on a free kick in the 35th minute. Some minutes later, Adam Savill misfired a volley into the side of the net.
To continue the drought, Hofstra’s goal leader Danny Elliott’s most optimistic shot sailed wide on a night where all three of his shots were not in the perimeter of the goal.
Lack of scoring hasn’t been a problem for the Pride lately. As Hofstra finally hits a road block, you have to wonder if senior team leader Joseph Holland’s inability to score a goal since the beginning of the season has finally caught up with the team.
His leadership and scoring ability will be needed most in games such as this one where the Pride faced an opponent who was nationally ranked just a few weeks ago.
In attempt to provide a spark off the bench in the closing minutes of the game, head coach Richard Nuttall substituted Meshack Eshun Addy back into the game in hopes that he would do what he has done three times already this season.
Eshun Addy has three game winning goals. Adding another game to that mark would’ve been an astounding feat but at this point, the Pride was just hoping to strike even and keep a loss off the record.
Though this loss will count on the overall record, Hofstra’s conference record remains unblemished, Virginia being a non-conference foe from the ACC. In note of this, the Pride have only encountered a minor bump in a process that has looked pretty good thus far.
With a 4-0 record moving forward in conference play, the Pride are currently in great position to make a run for the CAA championship this fall.
Hofstra will host William and Mary at home Saturday night at 7 p.m. as the Pride look to bounce back and continue the hot start in CAA competition.
