The Pride’s women’s soccer team fell to the 23 ranked Princeton University Tigers 2-1 on Sunday night in Princeton, New Jersey.
After winning an appealing game against Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday, where the Pride won 2-1 in double OT, Hofstra was looking to win their second in a row on Sunday.
Princeton didn’t waste any time putting a goal on the board, as with 1:34 into the game, Olivia Sheppard scored her first of the season putting the Tigers up 1-0.
Hofstra looked to answer back with a goal of their own, but they failed to land a shot on goal in the first 27 minutes due to some great Tiger defense.
At 19:09, Princeton added another goal to their lead, as Mimi Asom netted her sixth goal of the season putting Hofstra into a 2-0 hole.
With Hofstra needing to answer back quickly with a goal of their own, the 28th minute rolled around. Here, freshman Sabrina Bryan received a nice pass from Jenn Buoncore and capitalized to cut the Tiger’s lead to 2-1.
The much-needed score was Bryan’s second of the season, marking back to back games with a goal. Aside from her one goal, Bryan really displayed a strong effort throughout the game as she had four total shots in 84 minutes of action – the most of any member of the Pride.
Although only playing 27 minutes, another freshman, Miri Taylor, had two shots on goal. Megan Fisher and Jordan Littleboy also had a shot on goal each.
Despite Hofstra’s resilience, they weren’t able to tie the game in the first half, and after 45 minutes, the game was still 2-1 Princeton.
When the second half began play, Hofstra immediately began to attack. Megan Fisher headed a shot, but Princeton goalie Natalie Grossi made a nice save. This was one of the five saves that Grossi made on the night for the Tigers.
Hofstra’s goalie, Ashley Wilson, then made a good save of her own on Princeton’s Abby Givens.
The minutes continued to tick in the second half as Grossi made save after save on Hofstra’s opportunities, keeping the Princeton lead safe at 2-1.
In the 84th minute, Hofstra’s last chance to score was taken by Sabrina Bryan, but the shot sailed wide left and the Tigers held on to secure the victory.
Hofstra put up a strong effort both offensively and defensively, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the early 2-1 deficit.
With the loss, the Pride fall to a 4-3 record, while the Tigers’ win brings them to a strong 5-1.
Hofstra’s next game is at Columbia in New York, NY on Thursday September 13th at 6 p.m.
Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
