HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Freshman Stefan Mason broke a 2-2 tie and scored his first career goal in the 77th minute of action to elevate the Hofstra University Men's Soccer team (4-3-0, 2-1-0 CAA) to a 3-2 Colonial Athletic Association victory over the Elon Phoenix (2-4-1, 0-2-0 CAA) at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21.
 
It took only 1:25 for Hofstra to find the back of the net, as junior Matthew Vowinkel connected with senior Adam Savill on a corner kick, heading his shot past Elon goalkeeper, Alex Lorne. The Pride would then double that lead almost exactly two minutes later when junior Storm Strongin found the head of classmate Petter Soelberg with a cross to increase the Pride lead, 2-0. Vowinkel had the final two shots of the half for Hofstra and nearly added a third goal for the Pride in the 20th minute with an attempt that hit the left post.
 
The Phoenix cut the Pride lead in half on their first shot attempt of the second half and added a second tally in the 66th minute to level the score, 2-2. With 13 minutes remaining, senior Etienne Botty dribbled a ball into the box and tapped the ball forward to Vowinkel, who managed to touch a pass over his shoulder and find Mason who volleyed his shot into the net. The goal put Hofstra ahead for good as Elon registered the only shot the rest of the way.
 
In all, Hofstra led in shots, 14-8, including a 10-2 edge in the first half. Goalkeeper Alex Ashton made just one save in the victory.
 
Hofstra will return to action on Wednesday, September 25 for a non-conference match at Marist. Kickoff in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. is set for 7 p.m.
 
NOTES:
-Hofstra remains unbeaten by Elon in the all-time series, improving to 5-0-1 over the Phoenix
-Vowinkel and Mason scored their first goals of the season
-Vowinkel registered a match-high four shots and two shots on goal
-Hofstra is 2-1 at home in 2019