Matthew Vowinkel bagged a brace for the winner. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – A brace from Matthew Vowinkel led the way as the Hofstra University men advanced to the Colonial Athletic Associatiion’s final for the third time in four years with a 2-1 win over Drexel University at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium Thursday night.
Vowinkel scored the opening goal and put the Pride in front for good early in the second half. Daniel Nesseler tallied the lone goal for the Dragons in their second consecutive CAA semifinal appearance.
Hofstra struck first in the 12th minute, as Ryan Carmichael battled for a ball in the box and played it over to Vowinkel, who tapped it into the left side of the the net.
Drexel evened the contest six minutes later, as Kyle Tucker sent the ball back to Nesseler, who blasted the shot past the Hofstra goalkeeper to bring the teams level at 1-1.
The Pride moved back in front in the 50th minute on Vowinkel’s second of the night. Ryan Carmichael sent a ball into the box that was on target for Vowinkel to head into the goal and for a 2-1 advantage.
Wessel Speel made five saves for Hofstra, as Drexel had six shots on goal to Hofstra’s four.
Hofstra will face the winner of Thursday’s second semifinal between Elon and Northeastern in Sunday’s final here.
