MSOC: Hofstra Ties Monmouth

by Brian Bohl

September 4, 2012

West Long Branch, N.J. - Hofstra erased a one-goal deficit and tallied 21 total shots, playing Monmouth to a 1-1 draw in a non-conference matchup on Sunday night in front of an announced crowd of 705 at The Great Lawn.

Junior midfielder Chris Griebsch netted his second goal of the season, scoring to the far post in the 29th minute to knot the score at one. Griebsch, who also scored in Hofstra's season opener, helped Hofstra improve to 2-0-1 on the season. Monmouth entered the contest receiving votes in the NSCAA national poll and moved to 3-0-1.

The Hawks raced to the early lead with a third-minute goal. Jacob Rubinstein headed in a shot just 2:33 into the contest for his second goal of the campaign. Ryan Clark and Edney Derrick assited on the score, marking the first time in four games Hofstra gave up a goal.

Junior goalkeeper Roberto Pellegrini finished with two saves and is now 3-0-2 in the last five games dating to last season. Pellegrini (Monte Porzio Catone, Italy) entered the contest with three consecutive shutouts. Monmouth's goal ended his personal shutout streak at 333:39 (Pellegrini last gave up a goal against Penn State on Nov. 1, 2011).

Griebsch netted the equalizer when he scored to the far post off a cross. Senior midfielder Mike Annarumma(Massapequa Park, N.Y.) recorded the assist for his first point of the season at 28:56. Sophomore Maid Memic also was credited with an assist on the play.

Hofstra had multiple chances to win in the second overtime. Griebsch's shot hit the crossbar before Hofstra drew a foul in the box on the ensuing action. But Monmouth goalkeeper Alex Blackburn stopped Griebsch's penalty kick attempt with 3:19 left in the session to preserve the tie. Griebsch had previously converted Hofstra's only penalty kick attempt of 2011 and scored off a PK on Opening Day against Lehigh. Blackburn made seven saves total.

Griebsch was active all game, posting a game-high eight shots. The Dessau-Rosslau, Germany native is now tied with Memic for the team lead in goals with two and just one point behind Memic's six points. Memic (Kozarac, Bosnia) finished with four shots.

In all, Hofstra racked up a 21-13 advantage in shots, including a 12-6 edge after halftime.

Hofstra will next be in action on Friday when the team hits the road again to face Binghamton at 8 p.m.