By Joe Pantorno, Sports Editor
The Hofstra University women’s soccer team split its two games in Lubbock, Texas during the Red Raider Invitational last weekend on the campus of Texas Tech.
The Pride’s first match against Texas Tech on Friday started in cracking fashion when freshman midfielder Sam Scolarici netted her first collegiate goal in the twentieth minute of play off a corner kick.
“It was good for Sam to get her first goal,” said head coach Simon Riddiough. “She’s starting to play with confidence and is creating chances which in the first couple games she really didn’t look like scoring.”
The lead was short lived however when Jaelene Hinckle knotted things up for the Red Raiders at one just five minutes later.
Texas Tech continued to dominate matters for the remaining 65 minutes of regulation, but was not able to cash in on any of its 30 shots as the Hofstra back line buckled down, its closest breakthrough coming in the fifty-third minute when an attempt was cleared off the line by sophomore defender Ruby Staplehurst.
“I think at this time of year, they [the defense] are really starting to come together,” said Riddiough. “They’re starting to work hard for each other [sophomore defender] Britt Farriella had a very good weekend, [junior] Brooke [Bendernagel] we always know is going to be there, T.K. [sophomore Tara Kearns] is always going to be there and Ruby is starting to step up.”
Ninety minutes were not enough to declare a winner and in the overtime, Texas Tech looked to be at it again, collecting the extra time’s first chance with a shot that sailed over the crossbar.
Hofstra was able to muster up some offensive threats and managed to draw a penalty for a Red Raider foul committed in the penalty area.
Senior striker Laura Greene stepped up in the ninety-eighth minute and slotted in the game winner, giving the Pride its third consecutive victory, improving to 3-1 on the season.
“She [Greene] is very consciences as a kid and responsible,” said Riddiough. “She understands that if we are going to win things she’s going to get the bulk of the goals.”
It was Texas Christian University next to hit the pitch with the Pride on Sunday and Hofstra proved to dominate the game but like Texas Tech just days before, the blue and gold could not find the back of the net.
“We pretty much dominated the proceedings,” said Riddiough. “Especially in the second half when we started pressuring them in their half I really don’t think they had any quality opportunities.”
Outshooting TCU 23-8, TCU goalkeeper Alicen Wright proved to be a stonewall, keeping out all attacks of her goal and making sure her clean sheet was intact.
The Horned Frogs scored the game’s only goal in the eighty-second minute when a 30 yard strike beat sophomore goalkeeper Emily Morphitis to snap Hofstra’s three game winning streak, dropping its record to 3-2.
“It was a typical soccer game,” said Riddiough. “They counter attack once and the kid scores a great 30 yard shot. One of those one in a million type opportunities.”
Senior forward Laura Greene (5) has felt the pressure of carrying Hofstra’s offensive attack these past few games. (File Photo/The Chronicle)
