The Virginia Men’s Soccer Team (5-2-3) used a late second half goal to earn a win in a tough fought battle with Hofstra (6-4-1) at Klockner Stadium Tuesday night.
Edward Opoku scored the lone goal of the contest in the 79th minute to help snap Hofstra’s 4-game win streak. Opoku leads UVA with four goals this season.
Virginia goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell recorded three saves in the Cavaliers’ third straight shutout.
Daniel Barir and Jean-Christophe Koffi were each credited with an assist on Opoku’s goal. Koffi sent a deep ball down the left side which Barir ran onto, collected, and sent across to Opoku who tapped in the score.
“That goal doesn’t happen in the first half,” said Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch. “But we were patient and kept wearing them down with our passing and that’s what happened.”
After a fairly even first half, Virginia started to accumulate possession, and it was only a matter of time before they put one in the back of the net.
Overall, the Cavaliers led Hofstra in shots 13-8, including a 10-3 advantage in the second half. Virginia also led in corner kicks 4-1.
“Hofstra is a good team, and NCAA team, and that’s why this win is really good,” said Gelnovatch.
Virginia has yet another tough challenge upcoming as they travel to No. 4 North Carolina for an ACC road match this Friday at 7 p.m.
