The Hofstra Pride women’s soccer team secured a scrappy win over the Monmouth University Hawks, 1-0, on Friday, Aug. 23, at Hesse Field to kick off the 2019 season.

This non-conference matchup saw Hofstra move to 3-0-1 all-time against Monmouth to remain unbeaten in their all-time series. This game also featured the third straight season that the Pride secured a shutout 1-0 win over their opponent to begin the season. The win over Monmouth improves their all-time record since beginning the program to 14-13 in season openers, according to GoHofstra.

It wasn’t until late in the first half of play that Hofstra found the net when junior midfielder Lucy Porter kicked one in. This would be the lone goal scored in a highly contested defensive outing for both sides. Freshman goalie Skylar Kuzmich had a sensational collegiate debut, picking up five saves en route to her first shutout in her first game.

For a small duration of the game, it appeared that Monmouth controlled the pace of the game, but Hofstra’s backline stepped up big to seize back the momentum thanks to Jordan Littleboy’s stout defense. Kuzmich then had another key save through traffic with a little under two minutes remaining in the contest.

Hofstra outshot the Hawks 10-9 while also edging them out in shots on goal and saves, 7-6 and 5-4 respectively. The Pride also picked up 10 fouls to the Hawks’ two.

Porter led the way for the Pride with one goal and Lucy Shepherd had one shot on goal, as well as the assist to set up the only point in the game.

Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics