Men's Soccer Plays Hofstra to 1-1 Draw

Saturday, October 12

Vidas Field

4 p.m.

Drexel University

4-5-2, 2-2-1

Hofstra

5-6-1, 2-2-1

Hofstra

Drexel

10/12/2019 7:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Francisco Rodrigues da Palma created an opportunity for a penalty kick with his aggressive play on a loose ball deep in Hofstra territory, then converted on the chance to give the Drexel men's soccer team a 1-0 lead late in the second half. Hofstra answered right back three minutes later, and the two teams played scoreless soccer through two periods of overtime as the Dragons and Pride finished with a 1-1 draw and a point apiece in the Colonial Athletic Association standings. The teams came into Saturday's game tied at 2-2-0 in league play and leave still deadlocked, 2-2-1.

da Palma's goal came in the 76th minute, a penalty kick that he put in for his second goal of the season. The senior had raced down to challenge a Hofstra defender who had gained possession deep in his own end and was looking to clear the ball out. His pass was blocked by da Palma, though, who won the race to the ball and deked his way inside. Though he passed it off to Chris Donovan who drew the foul, it was da Palma called upon to convert the opportunity, and convert it he did.

The Pride wasted little time in responding. Gaining a corner kick int he 79th minute, they sent Oscar Ramsay to put it in. He found Frederik Rieper in front of the net, who ticked it over to George O'Malley for the equalizing header.

The Dragons and Pride played a largely even game in almost all facets. Both teams got off 14 shots and committed 14 fouls, though Drexel did hold an 8-3 edge in shots on goal. Still, though he was called upon to make just two saves, Cameron Sanders was busy all night clearing space in front of his net and keeping the Pride from getting many clean looks. Hofstra had six corners, making one count, while Drexel had five.

The goal by da Palma gives Drexel at least one goal in each of its last 13 games, a record under head coach Doug Hess. They have scored in all 11 contests this year plus the final two games of last season.

Prior to the game, the team's alumni participated in the annual Alumni Game. They were also recognized at halftime for their contributions to the program. Drexel also recognized Logan Williams before kickoff on Saturday, introducing the Team IMPACT recruit who joined Drexel on Thursday at his Signing Day during the pregame lineup introductions.

Drexel will return to action on Tuesday for its first midweek game in three weeks. The Dragons will play their first official Philadelphia Soccer Six game of the season, visiting Saint Joseph's for a 7 p.m. kickoff.