MSOC: Hofstra Shuts Out St. Francis

by Brian Bohl
September 4, 2012

Hempstead, N.Y. - Maid Memic scored his second goal in as many games, Joseph Holland netted his first career goal andRoberto Pellegrini posted his second consecutive shutout of the season to lift Hofstra to a 2-0 victory over St. Francis (N.Y.) on Thursday night.

Hofstra (2-0) scored both goals in the opening half with Memic and Holland each assisting on each other's goal at Hofstra Soccer Stadium. Pellegrini also made five saves against a St. Francis squad (0-2) that entered after having lost a close 1-0 contest to No. 4 UConn last week.

Memic (Kozarac, Bosnia) opened the scoring just 4:30 into the match. The sophomore forward found the net after taking Holland's crisp pass and firing a head-on shot that beat Terriers goalkeeper Tyler Clarhaut on the low right-side for the early 1-0 lead. Memic also scored in Hofstra's season-opening win over Lehigh last week.

Holland (London, England) finished with a team-high three shots and scored a key insurance goal in the 43rd minute. Memic made a deft touch pass to Holland just outside the box and the freshman capitalized with a strong goal from almost 12 yards out to hand Hofstra a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

The Pride made the lead stand up thanks to Pellegrini (Monte Porzio Catone) making three of his saves after the break. Hofstra also used a strong defensive effort to shut out an opponent for the second straight time in 2012 and the third straight time overall including last year's season-ending 3-0 victory over then No.12 James Madison at home.

Juniors Shaun Foster (Southport, England) and Tyler Botte (North Babylon, N.Y.) teamed with seniors Thomas Bekas (Bay Shore, N.Y.) and A.J. Laza (Coram, N.Y.) to provide stellar support on the back line. The defense, which allowed just one shot on goal against Lehigh, ensured St. Francis could not convert on its six corner kicks.

Holland picked up his first career multi-point game in just his second career contest and Memic also tallied his first career multi-point effort as well. Pellegrini earned his 10th career shutout.

Senior midfielder Stephan Barea (Levittown, N.Y.) also played a strong game at left midfield while freshman midfielder Felix Schaefer (Aschaffenburg, Germany) also looked comfortable on the pitch.

Hofstra will next be in action on Sunday when the Pride faces Monmouth on the road at 7 p.m.

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