Credit: Beth Berardi / SHU Athletics
Women's Soccer Falls 1-0 to Lafayette
Published: Friday, September 13, 2024
by Lauren Reese
EASTON, PA - An early Leopards goal proved to be the deciding factor in a matchup of the Seton Hall women’s soccer team against Lafayette University, as they fell 1-0 in last night’s matchup. The two ended the matchup with two shots on goal apiece, but the Leopards were the only ones able to find the back of the net.
The early first-half punch from the Leopards was not the start the Pirates were hoping for, who have now lost three of their last four matchups. Within the 45, the Hall could only put up one shot, courtesy of Camryn Wiliams in the 24th minute. Additionally, they knocked on the door with three corner kicks but failed to convert on any.
Lafayette midfielder Nadia Zaffanella scored on a low cross from midfielder April McDonald, and a diving Anna Prawer couldn’t get in front fast enough. It’s the Pirates' ninth goal they’ve given up so far this season, but only Prawer’s third. She was able to register a save later in the first half, shortly after conceding the goal. The Pirates tried to respond with plays up the side, but were not able to answer.
This proved to be a recurring theme of the night. Out of the break, the Pirates' offense came alive and threatened multiple times; the Hall registered five more shots and held Lafayette to two. Despite possessing the ball most of the second half, with a game-high four shots and two on goal from Natalie Tavana, and one each from Gia Milano and Phoebe Hampson, the Lafayette backline held down their fort enough to prevent any damage. The Pirates lacked quality offensive opportunities, as Milano and Hampson’s late shots could not pose a real threat to the Leopards’ goalkeeper. The final minute encapsulated the previous 89, as Milano’s long-range shot hit the crossbar, and Hampson’s follow-up was not strong enough. Tavana, Chiara Pucci, and Kylie Ray were the only Seton Hall players to play the full 90.
This is the Pirates' third shutout of the year, with the others coming against a ranked UNC team in Chapel Hill and FDU at Teaneck. They will look to rebound on September 15th on their home turf of Owen T. Carroll Field against Yale, their second Ivy League opponent of the year. Big East conference play will follow soon after, as they host the Villanova Wildcats on September 22nd.
Lauren Reese is a Sports Web Editor and Assistant Sports Director at WSOU 89.5 Lauren can be reached at lauren.reese@student.shu.eduPosted in: sports,