The Seawolves took the lead in the first half and never looked back, as they defeated the No. 17 Hofstra University Pride 3–0 on the road.
This is the first time the Seawolves have beaten a ranked opponent in men’s soccer since the team beat No. 25 Boston University back in 2006. With the win against Hofstra, the Pride are the highest-ranked team the Seawolves have ever defeated.
“The energy was really good from the players,” head coach Ryan Anatol said. “They worked hard, and they wanted to come out of this game with a result.”
Sophomore forward Vince Erdei scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season, while senior forward Martin Giordano added to his career-year with his seventh goal of the season. It is Giordano’s second goal in two games, as he scored the game-winner on Saturday at home against Hartford.
“It’s their energy. Both players work hard up top,” Anatol said about what has made Erdei and Giordano effective this season. “I think the rest of the guys feed off of their energy and help perform better as team.”
Erdei got the Seawolves on top about midway through the first half, scoring a header off a cross from the left side from freshman midfielder Serge Gamwanya in the 24th minute. Besides that lone goal, the first half was rather quiet, with the Pride out-shooting the Seawolves 6-3. Despite that, the Seawolves were in control of the play in the first half.
Hofstra came out of halftime on the attack, putting pressure on Stony Brook’s defense and gaining three corner kicks in a span of 10 minutes. After that, Stony Brook relaxed and played its game, getting back to controlling play. It was not until late in the game when Stony Brook struck again.
Erdei scored his second goal of the game and his seventh of the season in the 82nd minute on a chip over the keeper after a great through ball from freshman defender Devin Flanagan. The Seawolves were not done yet, as Giordano scored four minutes later off a ball played into the box by sophomore midfielder Thibault Duval. Duval’s pass was placed right in Giordano’s stride, where he finished the ball with ease.
“We had a lot of chances in the second half, mostly,” Erdei said. “They had to push their lines higher, so they opened themselves up and that’s why we were able to run behind them, because their defensive line was way higher.”
Stony Brook has scored five goals in the last three games, four of which were scored by Giordano and Erdei. The two forwards have been in sync all season, with Giordano assisting on two of Erdei’s seven goals and Erdei assisting on two of Giordano’s seven goals this season.
“I think we have great chemistry. To be honest, it’s just really nice to have someone like Martin next to me,” Erdei said. “He’s like an idol for me, because he’s a senior, he’s two years older than me, he’s been through a lot and it’s just good to have him because he sets such a great example.”
The Seawolves have two more games remaining in the regular season, both crucial conference games. Friday night marks the regular season home finale for the Seawolves, as the play Binghamton at 7 p.m. at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. They will play their final regular season game on the road against UMBC on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
“We made school history. But more importantly, it was just another win,” Erdei said. “I think most importantly it was just a great win before a really, really important conference game on Friday.”
Update:
Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Head Coach Ryan Anatol and sophomore forward Vince Erdei.
Correction:
Wednesday, October 28, 8:11 p.m.: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that freshman midfielder Serge Gamwanya assisted on sophomore forward Vince Erdei’s second goal, when the assist came from freshman defender Devin Flanagan.
Tuesday, October 27, 11:14 p.m.: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Hofstra University’s team name as the Flying Dutchmen. Hofstra’s team name is the Pride.
