Published: oncampuspsorts.com October 23, 2013
On a chilly night at Hofstra University Soccer Stadium the Pride’s offense was anything, but cold. The Pride played host to the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in a rare late October non-conference matchup. The dynamic duo of Maid Memic and Chris Gribsch took the spotlight once again. The Pride got off to a quick start as junior, Maid Memic, scored his ninth goal of the season in the 13th-minute. Memic took a cross by junior, Elliot Firth, from the right corner and headed it in for the goal. The assist was Firth’s first of the season. Memic recorded his eighth goal in his last eight games. Chris Gribsch forced a turnover and scored an unassisted goal in the 48th-minute. Gribsch recently became Hofstra’s all-time leader in assists with his 30th career assist in a win over James Madison. Gribsch scored his second goal of the night in the 72nd-minute as he put the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. The goal came from a perfectly placed right cross from senior, Herbert Biste. Gribsch’s goals marked his 6th and 7thgoals of the season, respectively. When asked about the play of Chris Gribsch Head Coach, Richard Nuttall said, “To be totally honest I didn’t think he was having his best game. But he finished with two goals and he was just doing what he is normally doing. He’s a great player and we’re very thankful to have him.”
The Pride’s defense came up big all night as they allowed nine shots on goal. The defense did an excellent job of keeping the ball off of their side of the pitch throughout the game. This opened up many shot opportunities for the offense as they lead the way with 16 shots on goal. Nuttall kept the Pride fresh with multiple substitutions throughout the night. The play of sophomore goalkeeper, Patric Pray helped bolster the Pride to a shutout victory. Pray made 4 saves on the night, 1 that was an incredible diving save that occurred in the 8th-minute. When asked about Pray and the Pride defense Nuttall said, “In the first half he made two very good saves by playing high on his line and sweeping up like he’s supposed too. A lot of credit to him and a lot of credit to the defense.”
Tuesday’s win marked Hofstra’s seventh home win of the season. Hofstra hopes to remain undefeated at home as they host the University of Delaware on November 3rd. The Pride return to action on Saturday against conference foe, William & Mary at 7 p.m.
JEFF LANSKY 