Hempstead, N.Y. – Junior forward Leah Galton assisted on the opening goal and headed in what proved to be the game-winner in the 54th minute to lift Hofstra to a 2-1 win over Drexel in a Colonial Athletic Association on Friday night at Hofstra Soccer Stadium.
Galton's 10th goal of the season early in the second half off Jeannine Molleda's corner kick helped Hofstra improve to 10-6-1 and 5-2-1 in CAA play. Hofstra is 4-0-1 in the last five games. With 16 points, the Pride moved into sole possession of third place in the CAA. Northeastern tied earlier in the evening and still stands at first place with 19 points (6-1-1). James Madison defeated William & Mary to move the Dukes into second place at 18 points.
Hofstra holds a one-point lead over William & Mary. The third-and-fourth place finishers will host the CAA quarterfinals on Nov. 2. Drexel dropped to fifth place at 7-7-3 overall and 4-2-2 for 14 points. All teams have one regular season game remaining conclude regular season play on Sunday
The Pride opening the scoring in the 29th minute when Galton sent a left-wing cross that senior Lulu Echeverry headed in near the six-yard box. Echeverry's second goal of the season gave Hofstra the 1-0 halftime lead as the Pride posted an 11-4 advantage in shots in the opening period.
Galton then registered a three-point evening at 53:21 when she converted Molleda's left-side corner kick from close range. It was the 29th career goal for Galton, who moved into sole possession of fourth place on the school's all-time list, breaking a tie with Salma Tarik (2008-10).
Drexel stormed right back less than a minute later when Megan Hammaker netted an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to one. Hammaker's fifth goal of the season came after she trapped the ball outside the box and shot it into the right-hand corner just 56 seconds after Galton's goal.
Pride sophomore goalkeeper Friederike Mehring did not allow another goal from that point and made two saves. Galton played defense in the final stages of the game to bolster a strong effort from Caylin Dudley, Rhian Cleverly, Emily Agudelo and Mallory Ullrich.
The Pride earned a possession advantage thanks to the work of Chloe Dale, Emily Hulbert and Molleda. On offense, senior forward Sam Scolarici notched a game-high seven shots while Galton recorded six.
Hofstra will host Delaware on Senior Day on Sunday at 1 p.m. The ceremony for Dudley, Echeverry, Erin Havard, Melissa Kress, Ingrid Moyer and Scolarici will start approximately 15 minutes before kickoff. There will be free live video featured via PRIDE PRODUCTIONS.
