BROOKLINE – Despite an impressive first-half equalizer from freshman midfielder Kortay Koç, Northeastern fell 2-1 to Hofstra on Saturday afternoon at Parsons Field, extending its winless streak to five games as the Pride secured a berth in the CAA Championship.
The Huskies entered the match third in the CAA North Division with eight points, while Hofstra sat atop of the division with 12. Northeastern looked to end its recent struggles and avenge a 4-1 defeat to the Pride earlier this season.
With important conference points on the line, both teams looked to establish themselves offensively, but neither could break through in the opening 30 minutes.
That changed in the 35th minute, when Hofstra freshman midfielder Axel Ruben opened the scoring with an impressive individual effort.
Ruben dribbled past multiple Northeastern defenders inside the box before firing a low-driven shot into the bottom-right corner, beyond the reach of junior goalkeeper Brady Elmblad, to give the Pride a 1-0 lead.
However, the Huskies wasted little time responding.
Just over two minutes later, in the 37th minute, Koç produced one of the afternoon’s most impressive moments. After dribbling past a Hofstra defender, Koç unleashed a strike from distance that bounced along the ground before finding the bottom-right corner of the net to level the score at 1-1.
The goal marked Koç’s sixth of the season, extending his lead as Northeastern’s top goalscorer.
Despite entering halftime tied at 1-1, Northeastern held a narrow 5-4 shot advantage, with both teams recording just one shot on target.
After the break, The Pride wasted no time regaining control.
In the 52nd minute, freshman forward Jordan Hoey made a run down the right side before delivering a low cross into the box. Sophomore forward Lewis Matton met the pass at the back post with his left foot, directing the ball into the left side of the net to give Hofstra a 2-1 lead.
The goal marked Matton’s second of the season, with both of his goals serving as game-winners.
Hofstra continued to control much of the second half, creating several dangerous opportunities while Northeastern struggled to respond.
Following a corner kick, Hofstra defender Pietro Santi connected with a header that forced Elmblad into a diving save. The Pride recovered possession and delivered another cross into the box, but the ensuing shot sailed over the crossbar.
Northeastern continued pushing for an equalizer, but Hofstra’s defense held firm to secure the 2-1 victory.
Although Northeastern outshot Hofstra 13-12, the Pride were more effective with their opportunities, recording six shots on target compared to the Huskies’ two. Elmblad finished with four saves, all in the second half, while Hofstra goalkeeper Milo Risenhoover recorded one.
The victory marked Hofstra’s second win over Northeastern this season and secured the Pride a berth in the CAA Championship. Hofstra improved to 9-3-4 overall and finished conference play with a 3-1-3 record, bringing its points total to 15.
The loss dropped Northeastern to 5-6-4 overall and 2-3-2 in conference play, extending the Huskies’ winless streak to five matches..
Despite the defeat, the Huskies remain third in the CAA North division with eight points, trailing second-place Stony Brook by four points and sitting one point ahead of fourth-place Drexel. Monmouth also remains in contention with six points.
With the top three teams in each division qualifying for the CAA Championship, Northeastern postseason hopes remain uncertain entering the final week of conference play, but Drexel and Monmouth face each other in the last game of CAA play next week.
The Huskies will look to secure their position in the standings when they travel to face Stony Brook on Friday, Oct. 30th, in their final match of the regular season.
Mohammad Sheikh is a second-year student at Northeastern University. He has been covering Northeastern athletics as a writer and broadcaster for WRBB Sports since 2026.