Credit: GR Productions
Seton Hall Women's Soccer Can't Equalize vs Yale, Fall Short 1-0
Published: Monday, September 16, 2024
by Chris Jones
The Seton Hall Pirates took on the Yale Bulldogs in a grueling match today, and it ended 1-0 in favor of the latter.
When you think of what defines an even match, this was a prime example, as each team looked almost identical. Yale accumulated 18 shots total with 10 on goal, compared to Seton Hall’s 19 shots and nine on goal. Additionally, both teams had the same number of saves (9) and fouls (7).
In the first half, we saw both teams play two different styles; Seton Hall aimed to play close passes and maintain possession, and the Bulldogs tried to break off counterattacks. 34 minutes into the game, Yale was able to convert one of these counterattacks into a goal, as Phebe Ryan scored the opening goal with the assist from Vienna Lundstedt. As the first half finished up, Seton Hall’s Natalie Tavana tried to equalize it with a shot of her own, but it was sent over the net. The whistle blew quickly after, and Yale remained up 1-0 after 45.
As the second half began, it started as almost a mirror reflection of the first half. Both teams continue to play their style of soccer, but Tavana, the reigning 2023 Big East Offensive Player of the Year, continued to have her sights locked in on tying it up. A key chance came from a Chiara Pucci free kick, as it fell to Tavana just outside the box, who sent in a screamer of a shot. Kyla Holmes, the Bulldogs goalkeeper, stretched to reach out for it, but was lucky enough to have it just hit the crossbar without her touch.
From there on out, the action slowed down significantly in the half, courtesy of action from the goalkeepers. Yale keeper Holmes seemed almost like a brick wall, having nine saves, and letting nothing get past her. As for the Pirates, first-half keeper Anna Prawer made five saves and allowed the one, and second-half keeper Avery Strohecker saved four. It was a battle of who can have more saves, and in the end, it was a key difference as to why the Bulldogs were able to come out with the win. The Hall tried to put the pressure on in the final few minutes, but it was just not enough, as Yale stood strong and left South Orange with the win.
The Seton Hall Pirates will be back home this Sunday, as Big East Conference play begins at 1 p.m. with the Villanova Wildcats traveling to South Orange.
Chris Jones can be reached at chris.jones@student.shu.eduPosted in: sports,