The Hofstra Pride men’s soccer team nearly upset No. 10 ranked Virginia Tech on Sunday, Sept. 8, falling 4-3 in an offensive match at Sentara Park in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Pride is now 2-2, while Virginia Tech remains undefeated at 4-0.
The Hokies got out to a very early lead, scoring in the eighth minute thanks to a ball by midfielder Kristo Strickler, who chipped it over Pride goalkeeper Alex Ashton’s head.
However, Hofstra returned the favor with 10 minutes remaining in the first half, as junior midfielder Storm Strongin found the back of the net in the 35th minute, tying the match at 1-1 going into halftime.
Well-rested and eager to fight, both teams recorded a combined five goals in the second 45 minutes, beginning with a Virginia Tech goal five minutes into play off of a penalty kick (PK). The Hokies received the PK for a Hofstra handball offense in the box, and the shot taken by team captain Jon Ingason saw the Hokies reclaim their lead 2-1 early in the second half.
The Hokies increased their lead even further seven minutes later as Strickler recorded his second goal of the match, helping Virginia Tech move to 3-1 in the 57th minute.
Down by two, the Pride answered back in the 73rd, scoring two goals in one minute to tie the match, 3-3. The first goal saw junior Jesse Schleeper cross it into Petter Soelberg, who finished the ball. Fifty-two seconds later, Frederik Rieper contributed his first goal of the match and second of the season off an assist by Jason Ramirez.
With tensions high and legs tired, the Hokies and Pride fought on until the 83rd minute where the scoreboard saw the match-winning goal by the Hokies as Marc Hoppler headed in a cross from freshman forward Nick Blacklock, securing their win against the Pride.
The Hokies outshot the Pride 22-13 in the full 90, with Ashton recording four saves and Hokie goalkeeper Mathijs Swaneveld recording only one.
The Pride’s Matthew Vowinkel also received a red card in the 89th minute, with both Hofstra and Virginia Tech each receiving two yellows throughout the match.
The Pride will take the field next Saturday, Sept. 14 as they head to the College of Charleston for their second conference matchup of the season. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
