The Hofstra Pride women’s soccer team was shut out for just the second time this season on Sunday afternoon by the James Madison University (JMU) Dukes, who came away with a 1-0 victory in their conference home opener.
It was Hofstra’s first loss to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) foe since Oct. 9, 2016. The Pride (7-4, 1-1 CAA) had won 13 consecutive conference matches prior to Sunday’s defeat.
The teams were tied 0-0 after 45 minutes of play. The first half seemed to bode well for Hofstra, as the Pride had outscored their opponents 8-4 after halftime coming into the game.
However, on Sunday it was the Dukes (5-6, 2-0 CAA) who put a crooked number on the scoreboard in the second half, courtesy of junior Haley Crawford. In the 54th minute of the contest, Crawford dribbled through Hofstra defenders and scored from 20 yards out.
Crawford now leads James Madison with four goals on the season, to go along with five assists.
Hofstra took five shots in the opening half, but JMU goalkeeper Hannah McShea kept the Pride off the scoreboard.
Jenna Borresen started in goal for Hofstra and made two saves in the opening 45 minutes.
As the Pride have done throughout the season, Ashley Wilson replaced Borresen at the start of the second half. Wilson also made two saves.
Hofstra has received contributions on offense from a number of players throughout this season, and attempted to do so again in this game. Nine players took a shot for Hofstra on Sunday, but none were able to find the back of the net.
James Madison managed nine shots in the victory, six of which were on goal.
The loss snaps Hofstra’s three-game winning streak. The Pride outscored their opponents 9-0 during their last three games.
After opening the season with a 1-6 record, James Madison has now won four consecutive contests, including their first two in CAA play. All four of those victories have been shutouts.
Crawford has played a big role in the recent turnaround for the Dukes. She has scored or assisted on goals in three of the past four games.
James Madison will try to extend its winning streak to five games next Sunday when they travel to Northeastern.
The Pride will look to get back on track when they return home on Thursday, Sept. 27 to face Delaware at 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
