Box Score

HAMILTON, N.Y. (9/16/11) - The Colgate men's soccer team experienced its first setback of the season when it fell to Hofstra 1-0 on Friday night.

Despite a final offensive surge in the closing minutes, the Raiders could not find an equalizer to send the game into overtime. The team outshot the Pride 14-7 in the game.

In the first half both teams took some time to settle down and find their tempo. As the game progressed and they warmed up, it was Colgate (4-1-1) that was able to create the first scoring opportunities midway through the half, but could not find the back of the net. The Raiders then took control of the game for the rest of the half, holding a 6-1 shooting advantage and majority of the ball possession. However, at the end of the first 45 minutes of play, the match remained scoreless.

The second half was very different from the first, with both teams picking up the pace and playing more aggressively. Colgate struck first with a pair of shots from junior Mike Reidy but could not beat goalkeeper Roberto Pellegrini. Then, on its first offensive play of the half at the 51:06 mark, Hofstra was able to get on the scoreboard from a corner kick that was headed into the right corner to take the 1-0 lead.

The goal turned things around for the Pride, which then became the attacking team and forced Colgate to play defense throughout most of the half. Despite the pressure, the Raiders were able to create some close scoring opportunities. The first was in the 60th minute when junior Shane Conlin blasted the ball towards an empty net but was denied by a defender that was able to stop the ball on the line. Then, nine minutes later, a diving header by senior Steven Miller off a cross from freshman Jimmy McLaughlin, sailed just inches over the crossbar. Colgate continued to play some hard defense as it fought to keep the ball in Hofstra's half and find an equalizer. However, even with all their efforts in an intense final five minutes of play that had the fans on their feet, the Raiders could not find a goal, resulting in their first loss of the season.

Junior Grant Reed had one save in the game while Pellegrini had four stops for the Pride.

“It was a disappointing loss,” stated head coach Erik Ronning. “Hofstra was a very difficult opponent and we have to give them credit. I am proud of the way we fought to the end. We must learn from this and move forward.”

Colgate will resume play on Sunday, Sept. 18 when it hosts LIU in its final game of the CU Classic at 12 p.m. on Van Doren Field.