After 17 days without a home game, the Pirates defended home turf with a 1-0 win over Providence. Despite early pressure and two disallowed goals, the Pirates finally struck gold in the 71st minute to grab the win.
Even on the Pirates’ senior day, Providence did not let up. Providence came out firing on all cylinders, controlling possession and creating several scoring chances. The Friars recorded their first shot just five minutes in, forcing Kate Kleinsmith to make a great save, one of many. Providence kept the pressure on, recording the game's first seven shots, though none prevailed.
Seton Hall began finding opportunities as the half progressed, recording their first shot in the 15th minute by Kileigh Gorman and signaling a shift in momentum for the rest of the half.
Just five minutes later, in the 20th minute, it appeared the Pirates had taken an early lead when Gianna Angelillo found the back of the net. However, after an extensive review, it was ruled offside, and the goal was disallowed, keeping the score locked at 0-0.
SHU was yet again faced with the chance to make the score 1-0, as it appeared Kaylin Mallon was going to put the Pirates ahead with a goal. However, the goal was overturned due to an offside call.
The game went into halftime tied, with neither team having scored, and Providence holding a 9-1 shot advantage over SHU. Kleinsmith played a crucial role in the first half, keeping the game tied and recording four saves in the opening 45 minutes.
The Pirates carried that momentum into the second half, immediately applying pressure. In the 49th minute, AngelilloGianna Angelillo fired a dangerous shot that forced an impressive save by Providence goalkeeper Caitlin Daley.
As the second half progressed, both teams traded attacking opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough. Strong defensive performances by both sides kept the game neck and neck, while SHU kept searching for the goal that felt within reach.
That goal finally arrived in the 71st minute.
After several close chances and two disallowed goals, MallonKaylin Mallon found the back of the net again, this time with no call to take it away, as the Pirates finally struck gold and went up 1-0, with assists from Macie Mietz and Tuva Norell.
The Friars kept the pressure on, earning multiple corner kicks near the end of the second half and forcing the Pirates to stay organized defensively in the closing minutes. Despite the late surge, the Pirates held firm, keeping it 1-0 to earn an impressive win.
Although Providence finished with a 14-10 shot advantage and a 7-5 shot-on-goal advantage, SHU’s defense and well-executed opportunities made the difference. Kleinsmith finished with seven saves and yet another clean sheet.
SHU improved their record to 1-1-3 in BIG EAST play, earning their first conference win of the season with a memorable Senior Day performance.
The Pirates will next host Villanova on Oct. 21st in another BIG EAST matchup.
RJ Andino is a writer for The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at rafael.andino@student.shu.edu.
