There is nothing quite like a comeback. In one of the more exciting matches of the year, William and Mary, (8-3-1, CAA 3-1-0) defeated Hofstra (8-5-2, CAA 2-2-1) 3-2 in a come-from-behind thriller. Junior forward Josh West scored two goals in the second half to guide the College to victory.
The victory extended the Tribe’s winning streak to four games. The night was most special for West, who was able to accrue his first multi-goal night in his career.
Redshirt freshman Mac Phillips, however, had an uncharacteristically poor performance. Although he did record five saves, he also gave up two goals, ending his streak of 265 consecutive minutes without allowing a score.
The Pride quickly scurried into the lead in the 25th minute. After the College turned the ball over, the Pride’s Maid Memic managed to get his feet on the loose ball and sprint into the open field. Just as he was charging the box, Memic whipped a low ball into the lower right corner, giving the Pride a 1-0 lead.
But the competitive fire the Tribe has exhibited all season would not be put out. In the 40th minute, the College’s attack ended in a corner kick. With an assist from senior defender Roshan Patel on the corner, junior defender Michael Teiman aimed a pretty header into the right side of the goal, tying the game. The goal was Teiman’s first of the season.
The Tribe was able to hold off the Pride for the rest of the half and went into the break with the score tied. Although the College held a 9-8 lead in shots, the Pride capitalized better on its opportunities. The Pride held a 4-1 advantage in shots on target going into the half.
In the second half, the Pride was able to once again strike first. In the 55th minute, the Pride’s Herbert Biste found some room to work with and fired a shot from about 30 feet out. The ball soared right into the left side of the goal, past Phillips’ outstretched hands.
Although things looked to be getting a little out of control for the Tribe, there was one player on the pitch who was determined to seize the moment.
That moment came in the 77th minute. After sophomore Jackson Eskay shot on goal, his attempt deflected to the feet of West. Taking control of the ball, West powered a shot that found the back of the net, bringing the score to a 2-2 tie.
But West was not finished. Senior Chris Perez utilized a cunning maneuver to shake himself from a Pride defender. Perez then played a beautiful ball to West, who simply flicked the ball into the net to give the Tribe the lead and eventually the match. The two goals gave West a team-leading five goals for the season.
West was awarded the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week honors for his game-winning effort against the Pride. He is the third Tribe player to win the Player of the Week this season.
With two games left in the regular season, the Tribe is currently tied for second in the CAA with the North Carolina-Wilmington. However, the Tribe is primed to take first place with another win.
The College travels to Delaware Wednesday, Oct. 30. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
