Pride secures first win of the season with victory over Yale

The Hofstra University women’s soccer team claimed their first win of the season against Yale University 2-1 on Sunday, Aug. 25. The win marks Hofstra’s second-ever win against the Bulldogs. The Pride moved to 1-0-2 on the year, while Yale dropped to 0-1-0.

“It’s a very good win on a quick turnaround,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “Happy with the win, happy with the weekend and now we get moving on and start preparing for Brown [University].”

Hofstra was powered by senior Mathilde Braithwaite and graduate student Ellie Gough, whose goals were the difference in the match. The goal was Gough’s first with the Pride since transferring from Middle Tennessee State University. Despite the tally, Coach Riddiough expects more from Gough.

“I don’t think she played particularly well, but she put herself in the kind of position to strike a great goal,” Riddiough said. “She’s going to score goals.”

Millie Davies provided the assist for Gough’s winning goal.

“When we needed her, [Davies] fought through three or four defenders on that goal,” Riddiough said. “She’s got a tremendously low center of gravity which makes her hard to possess… That’s the technical excellence that wins or loses you games at this level.”

The Pride dominated most of the match, particularly in the first half when they outshot Yale 10-1.

“It was comfortable for most of the game,” Riddiough said. “Obviously this time of the season we’re going to make individual errors, and we allowed Yale to come back in.”

The Pride were in control until a goal in transition by Yale’s Reagan Exley got the Bulldogs back in the game at 2-1. While Exley’s goal made it a tight affair, Hofstra was able to hold on for a win.

“I thought for the last eight minutes we did brilliant,” Riddiough said. “Running into corners, long throw-ins, getting second opportunities. In that half of the field, fantastic.”

Despite the Pride’s excellence in seeing out the game, the late goal by Yale changed coach Riddiough’s plans.

“We thought another five minutes and we’ll start throwing on people and giving them an opportunity in a competitive environment to prove to us they deserve more minutes,” Riddiough said. “Unfortunately we gave up a sloppy goal and then it became nervy and it’s difficult to put players in, who haven’t had game minutes.”

Through two games, the Pride have conceded just two goals spearheaded by their center-backs. Gabriella Marte and Louise Hayden have formed a solid defensive partnership this season, one coach Riddiough is happy with.

“Tonight, outside of that one snafu, I thought they were very, very good,” Riddiough said. “It bodes well when your two center-backs are your leaders and communicating and organizing, it means a good season can be had.”

In total the Pride had 14 shots to Yale’s three. Hofstra goalkeeper Mackenzie Sullivan was not forced into action as she made no saves. Additionally, Margaret Peterson and Davies both hit the woodwork.

“I think we were kind of unlucky a few times,” Riddiough said. “Sometimes those fall in and sometimes they don’t. It’s going to be results by group rather than individuals.”

The Pride finished up their homestand on Thursday, Aug. 29, when they hosted Brown University at Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Alexis Friedman