On Sunday, Sept. 10, the Hofstra University women’s soccer team defeated the Campbell University Fighting Camels 1-0 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opener. Midfielder Wiktoria Fronc scored the winning goal in the 52nd minute to record three goals in three games.
“It was your typical CAA battle, two good teams going at it,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “We were fortunate with the scheduling. Campbell played on Thursday against a tough Stony Brook team and took a beating there, so we thought going into this game was going to be a little bit fresher and have the ability to push the tempo of the game, and I thought we did that well. Fortunately, we came away with a fantastic goal to seal the deal.”
The Pride improved 4-2 in the season and 1-0 in conference play, while Campbell drops to 2-3-2 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play.
In the 52nd minute, Hofstra finally broke the deadlock. Fronc dribbled the ball up the field, starting the counterattack. As she dribbled, the play became a three-on-three where she saw goalkeeper JLo Varada off her line. At this point, she chose to strike the ball, lofting it over Varada and landing in the back of the net. The Pride led 1-0 for the remainder of the game.
“We’ve moved [Fronc] to a different position, a position she’s not 100% committed to yet. She’s finding little pockets; she’s three goals in three games. Today’s goal was world-class,” Riddiough said. “It was not only a great strike, but the ability to see the goalkeeper off the line and then execute is what makes it special. Not only that, but she put in a good shift defensively. In the last couple of minutes, she killed the clock very well, so really happy for her, and hopefully, this is the lightbulb moment for her.”
Hofstra almost had their first goal prior to Fronc’s, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. Midfielder Millie Davies got fouled at the top of the box resulting in a free kick at a good spot. Midfielder Aimee Hodgson stepped up to take the kick, sending it toward the top right corner only for Varada to tip it over the bar at the last second.
The Pride’s defense held the Fighting Camels down, as they only allowed three total shots and only one on target.
“The back four was solid. I thought they stepped well and covered well for each other. We simplified a couple of things for them which I think makes it easy for them to execute,” Riddiough said. “Obviously, having Skylar back with all the 80 million games she played in college allows you a bit of experience and comfortability, so I think our back five were excellent today.”
Goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich made one save on the afternoon, and Varada made five for the Fighting Camels.
The Pride returns to the pitch on Thursday, Sept. 14, to face the Drexel University Dragons in a CAA matchup at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium at 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Alexis Friedman
