Hofstra men’s soccer improved to 2-2-1 for the season in their Saturday home opener with a 1-0 victory over Army West Point (1-3) in a battle that was more lopsided than the score would suggest.
The Pride broke through in the 68th minute after a scoreless first half when junior forward Danny Elliott scored his first goal of the season on an assist from senior Joseph Holland. Elliott streaked down the left side of the field, receiving a gorgeous pass from Holland and launching a perfect shot that sailed past the Army goalkeeper’s reach and into the top right corner of the goal.
Though it was a tight contest, Hofstra dominated the time of possession from the onset and was seemingly playing in Army territory for the game’s entirety. The Pride outshot the Black Knights 17-3 but could not capitalize on several quality chances, highlighted by a Joseph Holland free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 32nd minute that pinged off the top cross bar and drove a loud groan out of the Pride fans.
With each team unable to capitalize on first half opportunities, the physicality between both was heightened. Both teams could be seen barking at the refs and jostling with each other for position in a way that rivaled NBA players boxing out for a rebound.
Army defender Denys Villatoro was involved in multiple altercations, getting into a verbal and physical spat with Hofstra senior Harri Hawkins at the beginning of the second half. Shortly after, Villatoro aimed to get in Joseph Holland’s head, throwing an elbow to Holland’s chest that went unnoticed by the refs.
The physicality seemed to only inspire the reigning CAA champions as they routinely started to get looks deep in Army territory as the second half wore on.
After Elliott’s goal, Hofstra shifted into conservative play and sought to attack the goal less. Army’s offense struggled to put together effective chances with poor passing and Hofstra’s defense never strayed from position. Pride goalie, Leonard Arkhanhelskyi can thank his defenders as he only needed one save on the day to pitch a shutout.
Elliott and Holland led the way for Hofstra with four shots apiece, but the subtleties of freshman Luke Brown’s game continue to stand out. Brown, whose father plays professionally for Luton Town in England, did not start but played crunch time minutes for the Pride and showed up well with timely, accurate passes to set up multiple quality chances for goals. As he continues to gain the trust of Head Coach Richard Nuttail, Brown could evolve into the player of the future for Hofstra.
Hofstra improves to 3-1 all time against Army with the victory.
Next, Hofstra travels to Syracuse (5-0) to finish out their non-conference schedule, while Army returns home to face Siena (1-3-1).
