Stefan Mason's lone goal continues Hofstra's undefeated start to season

The Hofstra men’s soccer team continued its undefeated start to the 2021 season with a win on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The Pride defeated the Long Island University Sharks (LIU) 1-0 at LIU Soccer Park.

The win in Brookville, New York brought Hofstra’s record to three wins, with no losses or draws. LIU received its second loss of the season, making it 1-2-1 in the season. This was also the second straight game with a win against a school from Long Island for the Pride; Hofstra also defeated Stony Brook 1-0 on Monday, Aug. 30.

Hofstra has just edged out LIU with an all-time record of 8-7-0 in the series. 

This was not only the third straight win for Hofstra, but also the third straight shutout of the season, led by goalkeeper Wessel Speel. The sophomore faced five shots on goal from the Sharks, but none could be put away.

Hofstra has not given up a goal in 388 minutes and 13 seconds. The last time the Pride was scored on was the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals on Apr. 15, 2021.

The lone goal came with 46 seconds remaining in the first half, when junior Stefan Mason sent a long pass that was one-timed by Francesco Perinelli to Ryan Carmichael, who put it in the back of the net. That was Carmichael’s first goal of the season.

Hofstra had to play the last 17 minutes with a man down, after Mason picked up his second yellow card.

Junior George O’Malley did not play in this game, ending his streak of 70 straight games that he both played in and started. He was sidelined due to injury.

Hofstra looks to continue its winning ways as it begins CAA play. Its next match takes place in Boston, as the Pride visits the Northeastern University Huskies. The game takes place Saturday, Sept. 11, and begins at 6 PM.

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics