Hofstra Takes Supervisor's Cup

Massapequa's played host to the Town of Oyster bay's "2011 Soccer Festival and Supervisor’s Cup" on Saturday afternoon, featuring both the Hofstra and Binghamton men’s soccer programs to start the action.

In a preseason exhibition game, the two New York-based teams got a good look at their oppositions as well as their own talent. Hofstra plays out of the Colonial Athletic Association, where they finished with a 5-3-3 conference record with an 8-7-5 overall record in 2010. Binghamton is part of the America East Conference, where they finished with a 3-2-2 conference record and 6-7-4 overall.

The two teams played to a scoreless first half, featuring key saves by both goalkeeper’s, Greg Cumpstone for Hofstra and Chris Hayen for Binghamton. 

In the opening minutes of the second half, Hofstra nearly found the net by way of a cross from Stephan Barea of Levittown, N.Y., but Binghamton did the job defensively. However, Hofstra freshman Chris Griebsch gave the Pride a 1-0 lead off of a free kick deflection soon after.

Just 10 minutes later, the Bearcats got a break of their own on an uncontested goal from freshman Bret Celeste to tie the score at 1-1. They nearly took the lead with just five minutes remaining on the clock, but Cumpstone came through with the save on a shot as a rebound attempt went just wide.

After the two teams ended regulation tied at 1-1, they fought through a scoreless 10-minute overtime period, setting up a dramatic finish in penalty kicks in front of a large Massapequa crowd.

Both teams converted on their first three kicks, but the senior Cumpstone gave Hofstra an advantage with a save on the fourth. Hofstra put in their next two chances, with the game winner coming from Griebsch. 

“We possessed the ball well, especially with the first half with the way we moved the ball,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “Overall, I’m quite pleased with our performance.” 

The Hofstra women’s team followed later in the evening with an exhibition match against C.W. Post. Hofstra finished the 2010 regular season with a 17-1 record and a perfect 11-0 in the CAA. The women made it all the way to the conference championship game, but were upset by James Madison. They also made it to the NCAA Tournament, but eventually lost to Boston College in the second round.

“The CAA is one of the best conferences in the country. We just want to compete every game and we are looking for consistency this season,” Nuttall added.

The Hofstra men will open up their season schedule at home against Iona on Friday, August 26 at 7 p.m. The women will open up their own season on August 26 as well, at home against Fairfield at 4:30 p.m.