Ryan Carmichael scored twice on first-half headers. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Ryan Carmichael scored twice in the first half and the Hofstra University defense allowed one shot on goal as the Pride extended its unbeaten streak to nine games with a 4-0 victory over NJIT at Hofstra Soccer Stadium Saturday night.

The Pride, 8-0-1 during the streak, improved to 11-1-1 while the Highlanders slipped to 3-9-1.

Goalkeeper Wessel Speel made one save for his fifth shutout of the season.

Only 2:06 into the game, NJIT keeper Samuel Reisgys was sent off with a red card following a hard challenge outside the box. The Pride took advantage of the extra man with Carmichael heading in his first goal off a pass from Hendrik Hebbeker at 6:50. Nearly 12 minutes later, Carmichael got another header goal off a pass into the box from Storm Strongin. Stefan Mason was also credited with an assist on the goal.

Carmichael has 12 goals, tied for fifth in the program’s season goal list.

The hosts extended the lead just before the half as Hebbeker sent a pass to Roc Carles, who made a run into the box. The sophomore midfielder sent a shot past keeper Caden Pellito at 40:47. Hofstra added a goal in the second half off a corner kick as Pierce Infuso netted his first career goal as he headed in Storm Strongin’s corner kick.

Strongin has eight assists, tied for ninth in a season.

Hofstra outshot NJIT, 16-2, and held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Pellito posted four saves.

It certainly was a physical affair. The game featured 49 combined fouls and eight total cards (seven yellow, one red).

Prior to the game, Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall was presented with a commemorative game ball in recognition of his 300th career victory Oct. 5.

Hofstra hosts Lafayette in a non-conference matchup Tuesday at 7 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.