Hempstead, NY - Virginia Commonwealth took a 1-0 lead on an own goal in the 76th minute, and then added two late scores to post a 3-0 Colonial Athletic Association victory over the Pride Saturday night at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium. The win improves VCU's record to 7-5, 2-2 in the CAA. Hofstra falls to 5-5, 2-2 in the CAA.

The game was a defensive struggle for the first 75 minutes, though both teams had a few scoring chances. Hofstra keeper Roberto Pellegrini made a save on Nick Rich shot in the first half and then handled a Jason Johnson blast early in the second. The Pride's scoring chances were mainly shots that missed wide or were blocked by the VCU defense.

But the Rams broke through at 75:22 on an own goal by Hofstra. Pride freshman defender Tommi Kjartansson went up to play a ball inside the Hofstra box and headed the ball over Pellegrini from approximately 8-yards out. The score changed Hofstra's philosophy as the pride pushed forward to try and tie the score and following a restart after a clock stoppage due to injury, Rich sent a long free kick to Johnson who got behind the Hofstra defense and chipped it over the head of Pellegrini for a 2-0 lead at 85:47. The Rams would strike once again on a change of possession. Johnson started the play at the defensive end and passed it up to Nate Shipmann, who touched it on to Charlie Ahn. Ahn sent a pass from midfield from the left side to a streaking Yoram Mwila, who beat Pellegrini with a long, low shot for the final score.

The Pride held a 15-9 advantage in shots. Mike Annarumma had four shots, while Maid Memic added two. Pellegrini finished with two saves for the Pride, while VCU keeper Josh Pantazelos did not record a save in the match.

Hofstra returns to action Wednesday night when it hosts Northeastern at 7 p.m

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