By By Max Sass, Assistant Sports Editor

There is an abundance of talent on the Hofstra men’s soccer team but that talent is not helping the Pride win games. After taking its opener against Stony Brook, the team fell to 1-3, after losing to Farleigh Dickinson, Penn State and Ohio State, all on the road.
The initial blemish to the team’s record was a four to one loss to Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Reflecting on this setback, Coach Richard Nuttall recognized that it was his players’ mindset, more than their abilities, that led to their first defeat: “I think the commitment to FDU [was not there], we didn’t understand the level of intensity.”
Participating in the Penn State Classic at State College did not help the Pride shake loose from its doldrums because, as Nuttall explained, “FDU really knocked our confidence”.  A five to one loss to Penn State University on the first day of the tournament was followed two days later by an uninspired performance against Ohio State and a four to two defeat.   “Lack of concentration and focus cost us dearly”, Nuttall said.
The team has had trouble scoring goals, tallying just four in the three losses. However, the usually effective defense was also subpar, as the Pride surrendered  13 goals in that same time span.  One bright spot though has been Johannes Grahn, the junior forward from Sweden. He notched three goals, including a pair against Ohio State. “Johannes had a great first year and disappointed last year with his fitness and also had illnesses”, Coach Nuttall said, “He came in this year much better prepared; scored a great goal in the open field and drew a penalty.”
Coach Nuttall opined that some changes may be necessary to help pull the team out of its early season slump “We will practice at a higher level with intensity”, he said, “What I want and expect is greater team cohesion.”
Despite disappointment over his team’s recent performances, Coach Nuttal’s optimism nevertheless shined though when discussing the talent that permeates the roster “We have a similar mix as the 2006 team,” said Coach Nuttall, when asked about the current mix of veteran upperclassmen and athletic youngsters. “That team came through in the second half of the season.” He added, “I think this team is slightly more talented, or maybe potentially [more talented] because they are not coming through yet.”
Nuttall struggled to name the player who has made the biggest strides from last season, eventually saying, “Jamal [Neptune] has been playing well. He has really stepped it up as a leader and been coming into his own.” Nuttall quickly added “Eric Rengifo really came in ultra prepared.”
Nuttall quickly realized the irony of naming two defenders as the most improved players when the defense has struggled mightily so far this season  (13 goals in three games). “The defense is just making silly mistakes that are hurting their confidence”, he explained.
The near future does not hold much promise for the Pride to regain its confidence though as the upcoming Stetson Tournament this weekend offers up two very formidable opponents, including Jacksonville, which reached the NCAA tournament last year, in the first game.  “They are fit, fast and well organized”, Coach Nuttall pointed out, “We can’t look past that game, our focus is Jacksonville.”
Looking ahead to the conference schedule, which commences with an away game at Georgia State, Coach Nuttal believes that the rough non conference schedule would not affect the team’s play against CAA opponents. He said, “I think we can put that behind us. We’ve done this before when we’ve won CAA Championships.”
The team will be in Florida this weekend playing Jacksonville University and Stetson University in the Stetson Tournament, followed by a road game at Georgia State before the home opener Saturday, October 3rd, against VCU.
 

Pride goalie by Greg Cumpstone (Photo courtesy of gohofstra.com)