The Seton Hall women’s soccer team walked into Wednesday night’s matchup against Butler looking for a win. Although the match ended in a tie, the result marked the Pirates’ fourth consecutive scoreless draw, making program history.
SHU and Butler battled to a 0-0 draw, leaving the Pirates 4-0-4 through their first eight matches of the season, and 0-0-2 in conference play. The result marked the Pirates’ fourth consecutive 0-0 draw—the first time in program history. Butler finished with a 13-8 shot advantage over the Pirates, with six on target, but none got past star goalkeeper Kate Kleinsmith.
Butler came out hot, recording the first two shots of the game, including a shot on target that was turned away.
SHU eventually matched the intensity and pushed the tempo, earning the first corner kick of the game, taken by Danni Hennessy.
The Pirates produced one of the best opportunities in the first half in the 31st minute, when Jordana Bello put a strong, yet ultimately unsuccessful, shot on target.
The pace picked up as halftime approached. SHU got a massive opportunity to do damage on a breakaway; Sabrina Campbell was in prime position for a shot, but was ultimately ruled offside. By halftime, the teams were tied 0-0, with Butler taking seven shots, five of which were on goal. SHU entered the break with five shots, three on goal.
The second half started slowly for both teams as they tried to control the pace.
One of the Pirates’ best chances came in the 54th minute when Gabriela Berrios headed it in to take the lead. Still, Butler’s goalkeeper Addison Ash made a save to keep the game scoreless.
The Pirates had one last opportunity in the 90th minute to turn the 0-0 tie into a win, as Kaylin Mallon stepped up and narrowly missed the game-winner, solidifying the draw.
Gianna Angelillo led the Pirates with two shots, and multiple players had shots on target. Kleinsmith finished the game with six saves for the Pirates.
SHU’s outstanding defensive effort and excellent goal-keeping proved enough to keep the undefeated season alive. The Pirates’ record now stands at 4-0-4.
For their next match, the Pirates will travel to Ohio to face Xavier on Oct. 3 in another conference showdown.
RJ Andino is a writer for The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at rafael.andino@student.shu.edu.
