The Seton Hall Pirates (4-0-2) played to a 0-0 draw against the Hofstra Pride (1-5-2), behind strong performances from senior Cassidy Brown and junior Tuva Norell. This was the final test before conference play begins next week. Both teams registered nine shots on goal, but only one of Hofstra’s was on target.
The opening 45 minutes were a defensive battle, with neither side getting many opportunities to score. The Pirate backline looked strong, however, with Brown making multiple tackles.
SHU's best first-half chance came in the 28th minute when junior Kileigh Gorman’s free kick found the head of Brown, who headed the ball just over the bar. The Pirates’ only shot on goal came later in the half from a long-range shot by Dani Henssey.
More of the same continued into the second half, with both sides lacking offensive chances. The Pirates’ best chance in the second half came in the 55th minute, as Kaylin Mallon, the Kentucky transfer, danced around two defenders and put the ball into a dangerous position, but the Pirates couldn’t convert.
With just five minutes remaining, Hofstra threatened on the counterattack when the ball found the feet of Hofstra’s Hailey Moschitta. Moschitta’s right-footed strike forced a game-winning save from sophomore goalkeeper Kate Kleinsmith, who recorded her fourth clean sheet in five games.
SHU wraps up non-conference play with its best start this century and is one of just two undefeated BIG EAST teams. Up next, the Pirates travel to Chicago to face DePaul on Sept. 26, as they look to outplay their preseason ranking of 10th in the BIG EAST.
Sean Casey is a writer for The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at sean.casey@student.shu.edu.
