No. 18 Hofstra extends unbeaten streak to 12 with draw to Fordham

The No. 18 Hofstra University men’s soccer team drew 1-1 with the Fordham University Rams at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx, New York, on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The Pride’s overall record advanced to 9-1-4 and their unbeaten streak extended to 12.

Eliot Goldthorp scored his seventh goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 56th minute to save a draw for the Pride. He was given the opportunity after Fordham midfielder Daniel D’Ippolito deflected the ball with his out-stretched arm in an unnatural position off a Teddy Baker header inside the box. Goldthorp, who came off a late winner over Monmouth University, has scored in back-to-back appearances.

Goldthorp’s penalty canceled out an early goal for the Rams that nearly lasted until the hour mark. Midfielder Louis Lehr found the left corner of the net after Shizu Yohena’s corner kick was strategically flicked back by Nathan Simes. Both players were credited with assists for the goal. Lehr scored the first goal of his Fordham career.

After trailing at the halfway point for the first time all season, the Pride found a way back in the game and saved a result. However, a come-from-behind win wasn’t the end product, largely in part due to Carter Abbott’s goalkeeping heroics for the Rams. The graduate keeper tied his season-high with six saves in the match. His biggest save came in the first half as he pushed the ball far enough that it hit the crossbar before being cleared away.

Teddy Baker, who took that shot only minutes after coming on the field, had the most shot attempts out of any Hofstra player despite not starting. He totaled 61 minutes and managed to record five shots, two being on goal. Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall’s decision to bring on Baker in the first half worked wonders as the forward provided an extra push in attack. His impact is reflected on the stat sheet.

There were stretches of back-and-forth attacking in the second half. Not only did Abbott make two crucial saves in quick succession, but three of Pride goalkeeper Wessel Speel’s four saves came after intermission. The fast-paced match saw a 16-11 advantage for Hofstra in shot attempts and 7-5 in shots on goal. A near-flawless performance from each keeper prevented either side from finding the winning goal.

Prior to kickoff, the latest United Soccer Coaches’ poll revealed that Hofstra had dropped two places from No. 16 while Fordham dropped outside the top 25 altogether. This match was Hofstra’s first ranked opponent of the season, but both teams will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures after taking a bit of a dip on the national scale.

The Pride will continue their road trip with a conference match against the University of Delaware. A win for Hofstra means a tie at the top of the Coastal Athletic Association standings. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Matteo Bracco