STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Stefan Mason scored on a first-half penalty kick and the Hofstra University defense kept Stony Brook off the board en route to a 1-0 victory at LaValle Stadium Monday.

By winning the battle of Long Island, Hofstra improved to 2-0 with its second consecutive clean sheet. Stony Brook slipped to 1-1. The Pride is 18-11-6 against Stony Brook all-time.

Hofstra got on the board in the 39th minute thanks to the speed and footwork of Jason Ramirez. The junior created a chance as he turned in the left side of the box. Ramirez then eluded defenders as he made a run across before he was tackled from behind, drawing a penalty. Mason converted from the spot.

It was Mason’s second goal of his career and first of the season.

The Pride defense made the goal stand up though Stony Brook put on a bit of pressure in the second half. The Seawolves had six shots in the final 45 minutes but put just one on goal that was handled by goalkeeper Wessel Speel. The sophomore recorded two saves to earn his second shutout.

Hofstra will have a bit of a break in the schedule, returning to action at Long Island University Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.