Pride seeks CAA Tournament bid

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Inconsistency, injuries and unlucky bounces in overtime were all big reasons why Hofstra’s men’s soccer team went 7-10-1 a year ago (4-7 against Colonial Athletic Association rivals) and failed to meet expectations.

However, the Pride showed some positive signs down the stretch with a convincing win over James Madison and a hard-fought tie with Penn State, and coach Richard Nuttall is seeking a spot in this year’s CAA Tournament.

“We might not have a lot of superstars, but we’ve got talent,” Nuttall said. “The sum of the parts is potentially tremendous. If we blend well and stay healthy, we’ll have a good season.

“The one positive thing that came from all the injuries last year was a lot of young guys got experience,” Nuttall added. “Overall we’re a young team, but I’m not concerned about the youth because the experience level is good.”

Players responsible for 17 of Hofstra’s 25 goals in 2011 are back in the fold, led by versatile junior Chris Griebsch. Capable of contributing at center-midfield, either outside spot or at forward, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior comes off a campaign that saw him score four goals and record 10 assists.

“He’s no longer a secret,” Nuttall said of Griebsch, who can score with either foot. “Defenders are going to key on him no matter where he plays. He’ll be in an attack position, but where will depend on what the rest of the guys show.”

At forward, Nuttall said sophomore Maid Memic has potential for a breakout year after contributing one goal and three assists in 15 games. “I was happy with his play and work ethic last year and he just had a great summer league in Finland,” Nuttall said. “I’m expecting great things if he can stay healthy.” Senior Mike Annarumma and freshman Joseph Holland will also see time up front.

Another newcomer, junior Herbert Biste out of Germany, looms as a likely starter in the midfield and brings a strong skill set and versatility. Like Griebsch and senior Stephan Barea, Biste is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield. Nuttall said he plans to be cautious with junior Florian Popp, who was limited to 11 games last fall due to a knee injury.

The defense is led by junior Shaun Foster. The reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Year not only helped keep goals out of the Pride’s cage but also led the team in scoring with five goals despite ankle problems. “He’s a danger on free kicks and set pieces,” Nuttall said. “He reads the game superbly and gives us so much in the back.”

Another defender with offensive awareness is junior Tyler Botte, who found the net four times in 2011. “He’s one of our best players in the air,” Nuttall said. The Pride will also benefit from a healthy Thomas Bekas, a senior who missed 10 games a year ago with a concussion.

In goal, Nuttall described junior Roberto Pellegrini as the team’s “most dependable player” last season. Pellegrini was a workhorse for all 18 games and had 92 saves and four shutouts. “What you want most from your keeper is consistency,” the coach said. Senior Adam Janowski will vie for playing time between the pipes.

Non-conference games against Monmouth, Boston University and Lehigh will help the Pride prepare for a challenging CAA slate. “Every game is difficult,” Nuttall said.