Hempstead is a soccer destination. The Hofstra men’s and women’s soccer programs just concluded fantastic campaigns, showing the world that Hempstead should not be messed with.
The Hofstra men’s soccer team set team records for goals (56), assists (58) and points (170) in a season this year. Their 18 wins were a team record.
Their highlight of the season — besides winning their first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament since 2015 — was shocking 12th-seeded Pennsylvania State University 8-2 in the second round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship on Sunday, Nov. 21.
The eight goals were one shy of the NCAA Tournament record, which has been accomplished four times, most recently in 1978 by Appalachian State University against The George Washington University. No CAA team has ever scored eight goals in one game in tournament history.
While the Pride eventually fell in the third round to fifth-seeded University of Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 27, they had their longest season yet — and should be proud of their achievements.
“We proved we can do it,” said head coach Richard Nuttall. “We’re losing four fantastic seniors, but why can’t we do this again next year? I think this team set the bar for the future. We’re retaining a lot of the squad next year. We’ve got 20 returning great players, and hopefully a few more recruits, to be at this level again.”
The Hofstra women’s soccer team should be proud, too. They outscored opponents 51-13 this year, while outshooting their competition 426-131. During the regular season, they earned their highest ranking in program history, reaching No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches Top-25 poll. Their 17 wins were their second-highest ever.
They also made some noise in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship after winning their fourth CAA title in the last five years, defeating Providence College 3-0 in the first round on Nov. 13. This matched their best season ever.
The Pride’s spectacular run ended in the second round of the tournament in a 3-0 loss to the University of South Carolina on Friday, Nov. 19.
“I am unbelievably proud of this team. I am humbled to be coaching them,” said head coach Simon Riddiough. “These players have set the stone for the future generations of Hofstra programs. We’re going to keep building on it. What this team has managed to accomplish in four to five years is something truly special.”
These two elite mid-major soccer programs are making Hempstead a destination — and the best part is, Hofstra is just getting started.
Photo courtesy of Jacob Lewis/The Hofstra Chronicle
