The Hofstra University men’s soccer team triumphed 3-0 over the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

“After a tough first half, I thought we let ourselves get frustrated against a tough, hardworking LIU team,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “They defended well, and they frustrated us. We had a few strong words, but then we had our mind on what we had to do better. I’m pleased that we went from frustration to going a good job and doing what we should have done.”

LIU kept Hofstra at an arm’s distance throughout the first half, not allowing a single shot on goal from the Pride in the opening 45 minutes.

“They were playing like a 5-3-2 [formation], and you’ve got to be careful because their two forwards were as good as any in the country,” Nuttall said.

Sophomore Eliot Goldthorp interrupted the stalemate with a left-foot cross behind the LIU keeper in the 56th minute, marking his fourth goal in three games.

“Eliot is an incredibly skillful, special player,” Nuttall said. “He shows his skill at the right time; he’s becoming a better player by knowing when and where to use his skill, and his work ethic is going up.”

That was all a part of the master plan, though.

“We thought once we got the first goal, it’ll change the dynamic of the game,” Nuttall said. “And it sort of did, and we’re pleased with how we reacted.”

After that, the scoring came in droves, first when Ryan Carmichael bested the LIU keeper one-on-one in the 68th minute.

Exactly 45 seconds later, Teddy Baker found the back of the net to finish up the Pride’s offensive onslaught, and it didn’t come easily.

“[Teddy Baker] got a little bit of my strong words at halftime,” Nuttall said. “We wanted him to be a bit more aggressive. Great far-post [shot], really pleased.”

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Alexis Friedman