Pride salvage draw against Quinnipiac in season opener

The Hofstra University women’s soccer team kicked off their season with a 1-1 on the road against Quinnipiac University. This was the first time the Pride had drawn in their home opener since the turn of the century.

Both teams are predicted to finish within the top two of their respective conferences and now sit at 0-1-0.

Hofstra was powered by junior Millie Davies, whose goal in the 84th minute salvaged a draw for the Pride and Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir provided the assist. Additionally, freshman goalkeeper Synne Danielsen made her debut, recording one save. 

The Pride played a complete game, leading the Bobcats in total shots 11 to six, as well as shots on target with seven to two.

In the first half, Hofstra limited Quinnipiac to just one shot. The Pride were unlucky not to have the lead based on the run of play, as the two sides went in level at the break.

After halftime, Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough made many changes as the game sprung to life. In the 55th minute, the Bobcats took the lead off a set piece as Danielsen could not claim the initial ball. The rebound fell to Victoria Foster who put the home side in front. However, after that, it was all Hofstra; from that point, the Bobcats recorded just one shot.

After the restart, graduate transfer Ellie Gough made her Hofstra debut where she had a shot on goal within 30 minutes of action. Despite being on top, the Pride were unable to find the leveler.

Yet, in the game’s dying embers, the Pride got on the board through Davies. Hofstra forced a Quinnipiac turnover through a defensive press. The ball was sent out wide where Thorhallsdottir found Davies for a free header. The goal was the fourth of Davies’ career, as the junior had three goals last season to go and 20 shots on goal.

 After tying the score, the Pride looked for a late winner. Following the goal, senior Olivia Pearse had a shot on target, her third of the match, that tested the Bobcat goalie, Sofia Lospinoso. Nevertheless, neither team was able to break the deadlock in the final few minutes, and the game ended in a draw.

For the Bobcats, goalkeeper Sofia Lospinoso made six saves that kept her team in the game. On the offensive, Molly Andrews had Quinnipiac’s only other shot on target of the game.

Finally, for the Pride, Dagny Run Petursdottir had two shots during the match while Margaret Peterson, Aimee Hodgson, and Thea Bergsten all recorded shots on the day.

The Pride will be back at home on Friday, Aug. 23, to host Columbia University at the newly named Captians Field at Hofstra Soccer Stadium. This starts a run of three consecutive home games for Hofstra.

 Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Jim Agnew