The No. 24 Hofstra University men’s soccer team defeated the College of William & Mary (W&M), 1-0, kicking off conference play with a victory on Saturday, Sept. 7. The reigning Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) champions improved to 1-0 in the conference and 4-0-1 overall.
Junior midfielder Laurie Goddard netted the winner for the Pride with 38 minutes played in the first half, the assist provided by graduate defender Pierce Infuso. It was Goddard’s first winner of the season and his second straight game with a goal. As for Infuso, the CAA Preseason Player of the Year, it was his first goal contribution of the season.
Though outranked 18-10 in total shots overall and 9-3 in the second half, the Pride held off W&M. The Tribe, who fell to 0-1 in conference play and 2-2 overall with the loss, only mustered one shot-on-goal in the second half.
Hofstra goalkeeper Filippo Dadone made three saves in the match to snatch his third shutout in five appearances. Two of those saves kept out W&M midfielder Aidan Morrison, who led his side with five shots.
The road victory capped off an uplifting week for the Pride, who returned to the top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches rankings on Tuesday, Sept. 3. To begin the season, Hofstra remained undefeated through their first five games and extended their winning streak to four in a row.
Striker Teddy Baker made his first appearance of 2024 when he was subbed in by Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall to replace Owen Barnett in the second half with 65 minutes played. Baker scored four goals and provided three assists for Hofstra in 2023, totaling 11 points. He was the only returning forward this season but missed the first four games due to injury. Baker played for 35 minutes and made one shot.
Defender Jon Jelercic was another Hofstra player who made his 2024 debut in the match. The Slovenian-born junior was also subbed on by Nuttall in the final 10 minutes. Jelercic, originally from Maribor, played two seasons with Stony Brook University where he made 26 total appearances before transferring to their Long Island rival.
Hofstra escaped Williamsburg with a victory to get their conference campaign off to a positive start. Their conference record could have massive implications later this season, as they seek a fourth consecutive ring. Home-field advantage will be a priority as the season progresses.
Nuttall’s side will have the next seven days to prepare for their next CAA clash against the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Hofstra will return home for that match, which is scheduled for 1 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Alexis Friedman
