The Hofstra University women’s soccer team defeated the Elon University Phoenix 2-0 in a Coastal Athletic Association matchup on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium. The Pride improved to 10-3-1 overall and 7-1-1 in conference play.
“I think it was a really solid performance,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “Elon was desperate for points in that fight for sixth position, and as the second-place team, I thought we managed the game professionally. In the end, it was a comfortable win. I’m really happy with the team today.”
Sophomore midfielder Aimee Hodgson started off the scoring for the Pride. The attack started when forward Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir crossed the ball into the box only to have Elon head it out. Midfielder Dagny Run Petursdottir went to head the ball back in but misjudged the ball as it went over her head and into the path of Hodgson. Hodgson shot a one-touch volley to the top right corner of the net to open the scoring 1-0. This was Hodgson’s third goal of the season.
Hodgson scored her second goal of the night in the 80th minute. Junior forward Mathilde Braithwaite got tripped up in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Hodgson stepped up at the spot and struck the ball on the ground, which sent goalkeeper McKenna Dalfonso diving to the left. Dalfonso got her hands on the ball, but there was too much power in Hodgson’s shot to keep the ball out as it rolled in behind the keeper and in the net. This marked a brace for Hodgson and her fourth goal of the season.
The midfield showed a lot of composure as the ball rarely made it through their line and to the back four behind them. The composure and intelligence shown by the midfield three gave the team an advantage.
“I thought Aimee Hodgson was the best player tonight. I thought she dominated in stepping around and even deciding when to go long and when to go short,” Riddiough said. “We love Dagny. She is the heartbeat. Millie [Davies] can create something out of nothing, so we’ve got a really nice balance with all three of them. When they’re clicking like they did, especially in the last 30 minutes, we’re very difficult to stop. It’s just whether we can do it for 90 on a consistent basis, and we’re getting there. I’m happy with all three.”
Hofstra dominated the game as they ended with 19 total shots and five on goal. Elon had seven total shots but none on goal.
Dalfonso finished with three saves that evening for the Phoenix. Graduate student goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich had a quiet night in net as she didn’t need to make a single save.
Hofstra finished with 11 corner kicks compared to Elon’s zero.
The Pride returns home for their final home game of the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium against the University of Delaware. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Alexis Friedman
