The Hofstra University men’s soccer team defeated the University of Pennsylvania Quakers 1-0 at Hofstra Soccer Stadium on Monday, Sept. 4. The Pride got their second consecutive win and advanced to 3-1 on the season in front of 1,600 fans in attendance on Labor Day.
“I’m really proud of our boys,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “We had a lot of injuries, and we were struggling for energy at times, but the guys on the field who were playing with the injuries did well.”
Defender Gabriel Pacheco scored the winning goal for the Pride in the seventh minute off a corner kick, with an assist from Eliot Goldthorp and a flick to the far post by Ryan Carmichael. Pacheco, one of Nuttall’s spring transfer portal acquisitions, got his first ever goal for his new team off a set-piece.
“We work on set-pieces,” Nuttall said. “We’ve got three or four good kids in there and one of the best delivers of the ball in the country in Eliot.”
With the exception of their goal, Hofstra was primarily on the defensive end of the pitch. Goalkeeper Wessel Speel made three saves and got help from his defensive counterparts to preserve the shut-out.
“I thought they were magnificent,” Nuttall said. “But let’s not take it away from the team effort. We defend from the front backwards.”
One of Penn’s closest attempts on goal came from midfielder Michael Hewes in the 31st minute as his strike from distance hit the crossbar. He managed to beat Speel but was denied by the woodwork.
“I thought the effort we put out there was wonderful,” Nuttall said. “I thought the restriction of chances for them, we couldn’t do much better against a very good team.”
Hofstra forward Teddy Baker was subbed off for Roc Carles and came back for a limited amount of time, totaling only 25 minutes for the whole match. Baker’s apparent injury was just one of many obstacles the Pride faced in a close battle.
“Power to my staff,” Nuttall said. “They did a great job of changing. I thought the second half changes restricted them getting to the outside where they caused us problems.”
The defensive effort from Hofstra sealed the victory in their first ever meeting with the Quakers. It backed up an attacking performance that saw the same number of shots in each half as their opponents.
“I think part of that is why they’re getting the ball in good spots. I would say good overall because they worked even though their service wasn’t really good today,” Nuttal said. Every member of the team that’s been on the field has worked hard. From my point of view, I’ve got to be really happy.”
Hofstra will remain at home this week and will play their first conference matchup against the Stony Brook University Seawolves on Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Matteo Bracco
