FINAL SCORE
No. 16 Hofstra 1 (9-1-3, 3-0-2 CAA)
Monmouth 0 (5-3-3, 2-1-2 CAA)
 
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – No. 16 Hofstra University scored with 4:23 remaining in the game to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Monmouth University men's soccer team in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play on Saturday night.
 
The first half was a back-and-forth battle as both teams had their chances. Eryk Dymora and Weesel Speel had one save a piece. 
 
The Hawks' defensive unit of Gabe Dahlin, Olle Brorsson, Bastian Hatcher and Griffin Tomas did a solid job of getting back and interrupting the Hofstra play before the home team could get organized in the box.
 
Monmouth and Hofstra went into the half tied at 0-0.
 
Monmouth increased the pressure in the second half and created several solid opportunities in the offensive end. Just over four minutes into the second half, Kevin Zapata rifled off a shot that required a stop from Speel. 
 
In the 61st minute, the Hawks got off shots from Zapata and Arturo McConnochie that were separated by just 14 seconds and forced Speel to make a pair of quick saves.
 
Dymora came up with another big stop in the 79th minute. 
 
Hofstra was finally able to break through at 85:37 as Eliot Goldthorp made a run up the far side and was able to tuck a ball in the net just outside of Dymora's reach. 
 
The Hawks got off two more shots in the final four minutes but were unable to connect as Hofstra claimed the 1-0 win.
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
"We are disappointed not to get at least a point tonight. Hofstra is a top 20 team and is a tough place to play but we played well. The boys will remain focused and move forward from tonight's experience."
 – Monmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Robert McCourt
 
- Hofstra and Monmouth played a 1-0 game for the second straight year. Hofstra leads the all-time series between the two programs, 6-0-1.  
- With just three CAA games remaining in the regular season, the Hawks find themselves in fourth in the CAA standings with eight points. The top six teams will make the CAA Tournament.  
- Monmouth's defense has been strong all season long. It was the 10th time in 11 games that the Hawks have held their opponent to one goal or less.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Hofstra held a 16-10 advantage in shots for the game, however the Hawks outshot the Pride 7-5 in the second half. Monmouth also held a 5-3 edge in shots on goal.
- Monmouth took four of the match's seven corner kicks, including all of the corner kicks in the second half. 
- Wessel Speel made five saves for Hofstra while Eryk Dymora had two stops for Monmouth. 
- Erik Reis and Kevin Zapata led the Hawks with two shots each in the game, with Zapata putting both of his on goal. 

UP NEXT
-Monmouth is back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 10 when it travels to Penn for a 7 p.m. match.