Win over GMU boots Hofstra men's soccer into first place

There was plenty on the line for the Hofstra men’s soccer team in its Wednesday night home affair with George Mason (GMU) as the winner of this crucial Colonial Athletic Association match would have the inside track toward reaching the conference playoffs next month. Thanks to the continued offensive firepower from senior midfielder Rob Youhill the Pride were able to get out to the early lead and never look back in 2-0 to triumph that keeps Hofstra very much in the running for the CAA regular season title.

Hofstra’s win combined with UNC-Wilmington’s 1-1 tie Wednesday with William & Mary puts the Pride in first place one point ahead of Northeastern with four games remaining. GMU won the CAA title last year and earlier this season defeated defending national champion Maryland 2-0.

“What we said before the game is if we lose this game we are back with the pack, if we can win the game we are ahead of the pack,” said Hofstra men’s soccer head coach Richard Nuttall on the importance of the GMU win.

The home victory in front of 440 fans served as some redemption for Hofstra, who suffered a 5-0 defeat at GMU in the first round of the CAA tournament last year. More importantly the victory gives Hofstra (7-5-1, 5-1-1) a two game cushion over the Patriots (8-5-1, 3-2-1) in the battle to receive one of four available CAA playoff spots. If Hofstra were to finish in first place, it would get to host the CAA playoffs scheduled for Nov. 13-15.