Rainy conditions didn’t damper the party for the No. 22 Hofstra University men’s soccer team as they defeated conference rivals Elon University, 2-1, at Captains Field on Sept. 28. The Pride improved to 3-1 in conference play and 8-1-1 overall while improving to 20-20-23-7 all-time versus ranked opponents.
“Fantastic win,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “I thought we were fully deserving of the victory even though [Elon] were a very good team.”
Hofstra struck first within the first 27 minutes of the match as Laurie Goddard’s cross into the six-yard area was struck into the far corner by Lennon Gill. The Pride took their initial advantage into the halftime break, but lost it as the Phoenix equalized seven minutes after the half thanks to Petro Klishch.
The Pride ultimately found the winner just past the hour mark as a cross from midfielder Mylo Hall was headed in by Gill, snatching his first brace and second game winner of the season.
“[Gill]’s not always a goal-scorer,” Nuttall said. “It’s his work ethic; he worked so hard today and I’m proud of him.”
The Pride’s second goal caused their bench to clear in celebration, joining Gill at the corner flag. Shortly after, players from both sides had to be separated as tensions flared in a significant conference clash.
There were five combined yellow cards handed out in the match, one of which was shown to Hofstra’s team captain, Roc Carles. The graduate midfielder leads the team with four yellow cards this season. The hosts committed a season-high 18 fouls in what was a scrappy affair.
The victory was an important one for the reigning Coastal Athletic Association (champions, who entered the match only three points behind Elon in the conference standings. The Pride are back on level terms with their rivals while handing them their first loss of the season. Their intensity throughout the match illustrated their must-win attitude.
“It’s like a family,” Nuttall said. “Not every day is peace and harmony, but there are more good days than bad. I love the fact that everybody ran down there for the winning goal.”
It was a special occasion for Hofstra men’s soccer, which celebrated 70 years of its existence on Alumni Day. At halftime, a ceremony was held to unveil the renaming of the Pride’s home turf to Captains Field. Past captains for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams were in attendance as they watched their alma mater get their most significant win of the season thus far.
“Just a great day for us, our alumni and our team,” Nuttall said. “I’m proud of who we are and what we are. I’m proud of the personality of this team. I thought they never gave up and even [in] the last 10 minutes I felt as though we were going to keep the victory.”
The Pride will hit the road for their next two games, starting with a conference clash at Drexel University on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Photo courtesy of Amelia Bashy
