On Oct. 5, Drexel men’s soccer notched a statement win against national powerhouse Hofstra University, narrowly earning a 5-4 win over the Pride. Hofstra, who entered the match ranked 8th in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer, has established themselves as a contender for the NCAA title in recent years.
The game took place at Vidas Field, the Dragons’ home field where they have not lost since Sept. 6, 2022. Despite the home field advantage, it took a massive effort to topple the Pride who had lost just once prior to the game. Luckily for Coach Dave Castellanos, he received a herculean effort from Senior forward Dominick Bachstein, who contributed two goals and two assists to the Dragons.
Just ten minutes into the game, freshman midfielder Omar Jallow misplayed a clearance attempt, committing a handball within Drexel’s 18-yard box. Awarded a penalty kick, Hofstra’s Eoin Farrell calmly deposited the ball past Drexel goalkeeper Alessandro Copogna.
In the 21st minute, Jallow made up for his mistake, pouncing on a loose ball in front of Hofstra’s net to level the game at one.
The Dragons would hold onto their lead for just 10 minutes before a defensive breakdown led to another Hofstra goal. Once again behind the eight-ball, the Dragons retook control of the game and started hunting down an equalizer.
Just 37 seconds later, Short netted a goal after a tremendous individual effort from Cesar Banacloy left a ball sitting on the goal line, just needing to be tapped in by the sliding forward. After such a whirlwind sequence, the game went into halftime with the Dragons leading by one goal.
Second half showdown
In the 69th minute, Drexel’s Copogna misplayed a Hofstra cross, in which the goalie attempted to punch the ball away from danger, but instead delivered it directly to Hofstra’s Jacob Woznicki, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.
In the 76th minute, Bachstein would net his second of the night after another impressive individual effort by Short. After blowing past his defender, Short fired off a close range shot at Hofstra goalie Filippo Dadone. Dadone parried the shot away, however, it landed right at the feet of Bachstein who quickly directed it into the net.
With a one goal lead again, Hofstra began applying pressure to the Drexel backline, but in the 78th minute, Giancarlo Vaccaro sprung a long ball to Bachstein, who then returned the ball to Vaccaro in a remarkable display of counter-attacking.
For the next 12 minutes, the Dragons fought tooth and nail to preserve their two-goal advantage. Their lead was threatened when, in the 82nd minute, Hofstra netted their fourth goal of the match.
When the final whistle sounded, Drexel’s victory was affirmed and their undefeated streak was extended. Now fourth in the Coastal Athletic Association, Drexel men’s soccer is in prime position to make it into the CAA Playoffs, and, in beating Hofstra, they have proven they can beat the class of the conference.