On Sunday, Sept. 7, Laurie Goddard’s fourth career multi-goal game and Daniel Burko’s third goal of the season spearheaded the Hofstra University men’s soccer team to a 3-1 road win over Northeastern University. The Pride improve to 2-2 with the victory and open Coastal Athletic Association play 1-0.
Goddard scored both of his goals in the first half, netting his second penalty kick of the year in the fourth minute before scoring his third goal of the season in the 31st. Stefano Campisi, another member of the Pride, picked up his first two assists with another impressive performance to start the season.
The Pride set the tone early in the match, pressuring the Huskies’ defense from the opening whistle. Pablo Hempelmann-Perez dribbled through traffic inside the 18-yard box, being brought down to set up Goddard’s first goal.
Hofstra continued to march forward, nearly scoring another goal minutes later before being called off for offside. The Pride did not let up, dominating possession and holding the Huskies without a shot for over 20 minutes.
David Adegborioye, who started the first three games of the season, came on as the first sub for the Pride in the 24th minute. The graduate wing-back wasted little time getting involved, receiving a pass from Campisi before whipping a cross into the box. Goddard played the cross off a volley, perfectly placing it in the far upper corner to secure his second goal and extend Hofstra’s lead to 2-0.
The Pride came back from the halftime break and picked up right where they left off, earning a quick corner to open the second half. Goddard followed up with another run on goal that was called back for offside.
Hempelmann-Perez came back onto the pitch in the 70th minute and made an immediate impact. The senior midfielder received a pass on the edge of the 18-yard box, showing great balance and composure whilst fighting off a pair of Northeastern defenders. Hempelmann-Perez escaped the pressure, laying off a pass on the wing for Campisi who found Burko three feet from goal.
Burko’s first attempt was headed straight at Northeastern goalkeeper Tobias Jahn, but the ball bounced off the Huskies’ netminder and Burko finished the second effort, all but securing the Hofstra victory.
In just four games with the Pride, Burko has already matched his goal total from last season where he scored three goals in 16 games with Syracuse University.
Northeastern staved off a shutout with Ethan Kang’s first collegiate goal, a masterful free kick from nearly 40 yards out that dropped into the top corner, over Hofstra goalkeeper Gino Cervoni.
Cervoni was impressive in his first career start, saving three shots for his first collegiate win.
Sunday’s match was the 32nd meeting between the Pride and the Huskies. The win gives Hofstra the advantage in the series, improving to 15-14-3 against Northeastern.
The Pride continued their road trip when they travelled to take on Princeton University in their next match on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Kickoff from Roberts Stadium was set for 7 p.m.
