Hempstead, N.Y. - Hofstra will open its 2021 campaign with a renewed rivalry matchup against Stony Brook University for the second-consecutive season on Thursday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium. The Pride is coming off of an unbeaten regular season during the spring, finishing 7-0-1.
 
Thursday's match between Hofstra and Stony Brook will be streamed live on FloFC and live audio will be available courtesy of WRHU on the HAWC. In addition, live stats will be available on www.HofstraStats.com. Links to all can be found at the top of this release.
 
Hofstra enters the season as one of the top programs in the nation, receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. The Pride is the unanimous favorite to claim the Colonial Athletic Association championship and captured three of the league's preseason major awards.

The Pride also return several of its top players, including leading goal scorer and two-time CAA Midfielder of the Year Lucy Porter who found the back of the net 10 times last season. Preseason Attacking Player of the Year Miri Taylor and Lucy Shepherd will look to lead the attacking front once again, as the duo combined for 26 points in nine games during the spring. On the defensive end, two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year Anja Suttner returns to anchor the back line that allowed just one goal per game last season.

The Seawolves qualified for the limited-field NCAA Women's Soccer Championship this spring after capturing the America East Conference title. Stony Brook is the unanimous favorite to repeat as America East champions. Alyssa Francese returns to the Stony Brook lineup after leading the Seawolves with 14 points last season, leading to an all-region recognition.

The Pride and Seawolves will meet for the 17th time in program history, with Hofstra leading the all-time series, 13-3-0. Hofstra was victorious in the last matchup, 4-3. Hofstra and Stony Brook have had memorable battles in recent history, with the previous seven matches separated by just one goal, and 11-of-16 matches overall decided by a single tally. Despite the narrow winning margins, the Pride hold an 11-match winning streak dating back to 1999.
  
Following the season opener, Hofstra will travel north next to take on the University at Albany on Sunday, August 22 at 2 p.m.