Extra-man opportunities, early turnovers and a late-game push were an issue as the Hofstra Pride men’s lacrosse team had a rough day against the Towson University Tigers as they were defeated 10-8 at the Johnny Unitas Stadium.
The Hofstra Pride came into Tuesday’s game looking to obtain their third straight win.
Hofstra had a rough start in the first period as the Tigers took an early three-goal lead.
Colton Rudd got the Pride on the board with his first goal of the afternoon with 1:37 remaining in the opening frame.
Brody McLean gave Towson a three-goal advantage once again but he was answered by Ryan Tierney who trimmed the Tigers’ lead back to two goals.
Jake McLean and Austin Stewart gave the Tigers a four-goal advantage but Tierney found the back of the net for Hofstra, bringing them back to within three.
With 1:38 remaining, Brody McLean gave the Tigers a 7-3 advantage as both teams headed into halftime.
After Andrew Milani added his first goal of the afternoon for Towson, Justin Lynskey scored on an extra-man opportunity for his first goal of the afternoon with an assist from Tierney.
Brody and Jake McLean responded by giving the Tigers a 10-4 lead with 6:34 remaining.
After Tierney added his third goal of the afternoon with 5:55 remaining, Justin Sykes found the back of the net, bringing the Pride back to within four goals. After Brian Herber won the following faceoff, James Philbin brought the Pride close with his ninth goal of the season.
Both teams traded possessions until Sykes added his second goal of the afternoon to bring the Pride to within two goals.
Despite Hofstra winning the following faceoff and calling a timeout, the Pride wasn’t able to capitalize on the possession as the Tigers went on to win 10-8.
Tierney led in the points column for Hofstra as he added three goals and an assist while collecting three ground balls. With the four points in Tuesday’s contest, he is officially tied with Jerry Simandl for the most points in Hofstra men’s lacrosse history. Ryan is four goals away from tying and five from breaking the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record of 162.
Alex Concannon made his return to the lineup as he led the Pride in assists with two on the afternoon.
Brian Herber won 15 of his 20 face-off attempts while collecting nine ground balls.
Bobby Casey took the loss for the Pride as he collected seven saves on the afternoon.
The Pride moves to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in CAA play.
The team looks to Saturday as they will take on the University of Delaware Blue Hens. Face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
