The Hofstra women’s soccer team paid a visit to Philadelphia on Thursday, Sept. 8, and left with a 1-0 victory over the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks. The Pride improved their record to 4-1-1 as goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich recorded her fourth shutout so far this year.

The Hawks controlled the action early on, sending several cross attempts into the box, all of which were either cleared by the Pride’s defense or smothered by Kuzmich in goal. A marquee chance for Saint Joseph’s leading scorer Gisele Daniels was steered just wide of the post by a sprawling Kuzmich, keeping the game tied with 14 minutes to play in the opening half. Hofstra picked up its attack as the half went on but only tallied one shot on goal throughout the opening 45 minutes. Four first-half saves by Kuzmich coupled with strong defense on the back end by the Pride kept the game scoreless heading into halftime.

15 minutes into the second half, Hofstra’s Ellen Halseth broke the stalemate with her second goal of the season assisted by Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir and Wiktoria Fronc. Minutes later, Leah Iglesias broke free for what appeared to be another Pride goal that was negated by the offsides flag. Saint Joseph’s came close to tying the game in the 82nd minute with a dangerous through ball, but a crucial interception by defender Anja Suttner kept the Pride in front. Suttner continues to be a pivotal part of the Hofstra defense this season, playing in every minute of every game thus far.

Hofstra dominated the action in the second half, as the team outshot the Hawks 7-2, including four attempts on goal. Saint Joseph’s was unable to generate tangible chances after halftime, as physical defense from the Pride proved to be too much for the Hawks to handle.

The Pride’s next game will be the first of a five-game homestand coming against the University of Oregon Ducks on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics