Ryan Carmichael scored his 10th goal of the season. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)
Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year Ryan Carmichael scored just over two minutes into the second extratime to lift the third-seeded Hofstra University men to a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded William & Mary in the quarterfinals of the CAA Championship at UNCW Soccer Stadium in Wilmington, N.C. on Thursday night.
Hofstra improved to 12-3-3 and advanced to the semifinals to face second-seeded UNCW Sunday at 2 p.m. William & Mary ended its season at 5-7-6.
The teams, which played a scoreless draw during the regular season, went another 90 minutes without scoring on Thursday. However, after being held without a shot on goal in the regular season meeting, the Pride put 10 shots on target in this encounter. But William & Mary keeper Danilo Nikcevic was up to the task, making several tough saves.
The Pride finally broke through in the second extraatime as Shane Salmon sent a long pass from the Hofstra defensive end that Carmichael ran down on the right side of the penalty area. He then sent a shot across his body into the lower left corner for his 10th goal of the season. Salmon has assists in back-to-back games.
Hofstra goalkeeper Wessel Speel faced three shots and saved them all as he registered his fifth shutout. The Hofstra defense did a solid job of preventing dangerous scoring opportunities for the Tribe.
The Pride, which has seven one-goal wins, moved to 16-7-6 in CAA Championship play and will make its 12th semifinal appearance.
