The Hofstra Pride women’s soccer team improved their record to 5-2-1 with a 1-0 victory over the Princeton University Tigers on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Hofstra Soccer Stadium. The win marked a bounce-back effort by the Pride after losing their previous game to the University of Oregon Ducks on Sunday night.
It was a quick start for Hofstra, as just three minutes in, the Pride’s persistent pressure forced Princeton goalkeeper, sophomore Tyler McCamey, to turn the ball over in front of the net, resulting in an easy goal for senior forward Ellen Halseth. The tally marked Halseth’s third goal of the season, and her second in the last three matches. Halseth’s recent attacking success has earned her a tie for the team lead in goals with freshman midfielder Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir.
“It was generated by hard work and effort,” said Hofstra women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough. “When you work hard and play with the tenacity we did tonight, fortune favors the brave.”
After scoring early, Hofstra’s defense faced the task of maintaining their lead for 87 minutes. Despite being outshot 17-7, the Pride’s defensive effort was the key factor on Thursday night. Senior goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich kept her opponents off the scoreboard once again, accumulating five saves and her fifth shutout of the season. The biggest save of the night came in the 51st minute as Kuzmich dove to her left and stopped a potentially game-tying penalty kick from Princeton forward freshman Pietra Tordin.
The Tigers had another prime opportunity to equalize with under five minutes to play, but senior defender Anja Suttner cleared the ball off the line with an acrobatic bicycle kick. Suttner made several key plays on defense, blocking multiple shots from inside the box in the final minutes.
“We’re starting to see the defensive structure of our team now, and I’m really proud and pleased with the effort of the girls,” Riddiough said. It was a total collective effort on defense tonight for Hofstra, as the Pride blocked multiple shots as a team.
The women’s soccer team will be back in action on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Hofstra Soccer Stadium when they conclude their non-conference play against the Columbia University Lions at 1 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
