The Hofstra men’s soccer team settled with a scoreless draw against College of William & Mary (W&M) in a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) matchup on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Albert Daly Field in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

The first half was uneventful, aside from good defense played by both sides. In the 22nd minute, W&M forward Diba Nwegbo got off a shot on goal that was saved by Wessel Speel. 

It was the only shot on goal by either side throughout the entire half. Hofstra did have a scoring chance in the 44th minute, but an offside whistle was called to negate the play.

In the first half, W&M outshot Hofstra 5-3, while the Pride had the only corner kick. Many fouls were also called, as the two sides combined for 19 in the first half. 

Offense was still nowhere to be found for either side entering the second half. W&M had two shots on goal with the first coming in the 49th minute from Nathan Messer. The second shot came in the 76th minute from Webb Kosich. Both shots were easily handled in goal by Speel.

Despite Hofstra’s strong defensive effort, they were simply unable to get anything going on offense. What didn’t help was them continuing to get called for fouls, including four yellow cards, one for the team, as well as one each for defenders Stefan Mason and Nico Oberrauch and midfielder Eliot Goldthrop. The Pride was also called for multiple offside penalties throughout the half. 

In the second half, Hofstra outshot W&M 6-4. However, they still could not manage a shot on goal. Overall, each team totaled nine shots, with W&M getting credit for three shots on goal. Hofstra had one corner kick in the second half, compared to four from W&M. Hofstra also committed nine fouls in the half, compared to six by W&M. In total, Hofstra committed 18 fouls, compared to 16 by W&M.

Goldthorp led Hofstra with three shots. Marcelo Lage and Ryan Carmichael each had two, while Roc Carles and Francesco Perinelli each had one. Nwegbo led W&M with three shots, although only one of them was on target. 

The tie snaps what was a four-game winning streak for Hofstra, as they move to 5-2-1 so far this season and 2-1-1 in CAA play. W&M moves to 2-2-4 and 2-1-1 in CAA play.

Hofstra will next host the University of Delaware on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Neil Miller/Hofstra Athletics