The Hofstra Pride men’s soccer team faced a stiff test on Tuesday against fifth-ranked Syracuse, falling by a score of 1-0.
Last year, the Pride shocked the collegiate soccer community with a 2-1 win over 15th-ranked Syracuse to open the season. That win propelled the Pride in a year culminating in a CAA title.

The Orange was a dominant on-field presence in the first half. Although they didn’t record a score in the fame, Syracuse took 11 shots compared to just three for the Pride.

The second half was played much more evenly. Both teams struggled to get succinct offensive possessions. With just three minutes left in the game, the Orange received a corner kick and capitalized. A beautiful cross from Liam Callahan led to Johannes Pieles’ first goal of the season. That score would prove to be the difference as Hofstra failed to tie as the clock ticked down.

Hofstra simply couldn’t find the back of the net. The Orange’s stingy defense held the Pride to just six shots over the course of the contest. CAA Preseason Player of the Year Joseph Holland was held in check, he didn’t record a single shot. Only four Pride members took a shot at the net, combining for just three shots on goal.

The Pride moved to 2-3-1 on the year with the loss while the Orange remains undefeated at 6-0-0.

With the majority of Hofstra’s tough non-conference schedule in the rearview mirror, conference play kicks off soon. The Pride’s first CAA matchup comes Saturday when James Madison comes to town.

It’ll be a battle of two struggling offenses; the two squads are tied for the second-fewest goals in the CAA with six. Hofstra will have its chance to prove it deserves the top ranking in the conference’s preseason polls.