Richard Nuttall’s Final Season: A Cinderella Run for Hofstra Men’s Soccer
After 37 years at the helm of Hofstra men’s soccer, coach Richard Nuttall’s final season has turned into the stuff of legends. His unranked Pride squad has captured national attention with a stunning NCAA tournament upset over defending champion and top-ranked Vermont, winning 3-2 in a thrilling overtime battle in the second round. The victory, capped by midfielder Laurie Goddard’s golden goal six minutes into extra time, followed an impressive 2-0 shutout of Syracuse in the opening round. For Nuttall, who traded life on an English pig farm for Long Island decades ago, this unexpected tournament run has become the perfect farewell tour. “I don’t think there’s been a day when I didn’t want to come to work,” reflects the coach, his voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia as his remarkable tenure nears its end.
The Vermont match embodied everything beautiful about college sports—underdogs rising to the occasion, players performing under immense pressure, and the pure drama of playoff soccer. Nuttall described the emotional rollercoaster of coaching such a high-stakes game: “You live every single moment, every single kick, every ball movement, you have fear when they’re going forward, then you have hope when you’re going forward.” What impressed him most was his team’s composure under pressure. Before the match, he had challenged his players: “Can you play clearly minded with calmness?” Their response exceeded his expectations. “I thought we’d done it beautifully,” he said, pride evident in his voice. That mental fortitude allowed Hofstra to accomplish what few thought possible—knocking off the tournament’s top seed and defending champions.
This Cinderella story isn’t just about the wins; it’s about a community celebrating a beloved figure who has dedicated nearly four decades to building something special at Hofstra. The university has embraced Nuttall’s final run, with tributes and gifts pouring in from every corner of campus. “I like bicycling, and they bought me a Cannondale bike I really loved. I play pickleball with the wife, and they’ve gotten me two new paddles for that,” Nuttall shared, clearly touched by the gestures. “Everybody at Hofstra from the president down has been incredibly kind to me.” These moments of appreciation have added emotional depth to an already significant season, creating memories that will last long after the final whistle blows on his coaching career.
The victory over Vermont wasn’t just a fleeting moment of glory—it represented a fundamental shift in the team’s self-belief. Nuttall immediately recognized the psychological impact of defeating the nation’s top team and used it to further motivate his squad. “I said to them after, ‘Get it in your mind that we can beat any team in the country,'” he told The Post. This newfound confidence could prove crucial as Hofstra advances deeper into uncharted territory in the NCAA tournament. For a mid-major program like Hofstra, such achievements are particularly remarkable, and Nuttall makes no attempt to hide his satisfaction: “I know we can play with anybody in the country, which, as a mid-major, I am very proud of.”
As Hofstra prepares for their Round 3 matchup against 16th-ranked Furman, Nuttall remains both realistic and optimistic. “There’ll be a big crowd. They’re very talented in their own way, a lot of team speed, and a lot of technical ability. It’s going to be a major challenge for us, without a shadow of a doubt,” he acknowledged. Yet beneath the measured assessment lies the quiet confidence of a coach who has seen his team rise to every challenge thus far. “I’m confident that we’ll give our all, and we’ll have a focus,” he added, suggesting that regardless of the outcome, his team will continue to compete with the heart and determination that has defined their tournament run. For Nuttall, each additional match is a gift—another week with the players and program he has nurtured for decades.
What makes this story particularly poignant is how Nuttall frames his feelings about this unexpected tournament success. Rather than viewing these victories as a crowning achievement, he expresses simple gratitude for extended time with his team. “What I’m most grateful for is another week with the Pride,” he said, already feeling “spoiled” by advancing past Syracuse in the first round. This perspective reveals the essence of Nuttall’s coaching philosophy—one that values relationships and the journey as much as the results. As he prepares to lead Hofstra into battle once more, the coach appears content, regardless of what happens next. “We’re super proud, and we’re enjoying the ride,” he said, summing up not just this magical tournament run, but perhaps his entire 37-year journey with Hofstra men’s soccer—a ride that has been fulfilling, impactful, and now, unexpectedly glorious in its final chapter.
