Women's Soccer Struggles to Score Against Blue Hens in 0-0 Draw

Date: September 5, 2022

By: Matthew Soetebeer

Seton Hall Athletics

In a defensive struggle, the Seton Hall Pirates (2-1-2) tied the Delaware Blue Hens (1-2-3) by a score of 0-0.

The game was filled with complaints from the stands, especially for the Blue Hens. Many of the fans were yelling over the lack of foul calls and expressing displeasure towards the referees.

There were a few passing errors in the opening minutes for both sides. Delaware got off to a slow start, missing three shots by the 33:10 mark.

On the other hand, the Pirates didn’t even attempt a shot until Phoebe Hampson made a strike towards the goal at the 22:45 mark. Hampson missed the shot but would soon make up for it with a great slide tackle that sent the ball to the other side of the field.

Blue Hens forward Leilah Sallee took a good shot that was matched by even better defense from Seton Hall goalkeeper Grace Gordan. This wasn’t the only impactful play that the senior goalkeeper made.

Less than five minutes into the second half, she made a jumping save that set the tone for the rest of the period. She would go on to catch a shot attempt by midfielder Sara D’Appolonia and save another shot that was taken by midfielder Katie Hackley.

The scariest play of the game was when Sarah Mitchell of the Pirates collided with Sydni Wright of the Blue Hens. The freshman midfielder was down for an extended period of time but would eventually walk on her own power to the sidelines. She would be okay to resume action later on.

Delaware defender Julianna Bell had an exceptional defensive play at 31:15 mark in the second half. Seton Hall midfielder Natalie Tavana was running to her left with the ball near the goal. Bell was there with her every move and shut the attempt down to send the ball rolling out of bounds. It was textbook defense in a high-risk situation.

Towards the end of the game, Sydni Wright shoved Pirates defender Maddy Decola and received a yellow card. This was Wright’s second physical play of the day, and the referees did not turn a blind eye.

Despite the clear push, there were still complaints from the obviously biased Blue Hens supporters, but they were all for naught, as the game would end in a draw.

FINAL | Seton Hall 0, Delaware 0

Pirates put up 6 of their 8 shots after the break but couldn't come up with a score.

Next two are on the road, we'll be back at OTCF on Sept. 15 vs. Columbia.#HALLin ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/FGCeXS9eAq

— Seton Hall Women's Soccer (@SHUWSOC) September 4, 2022

Seton Hall looks to get a bounce back victory Thursday when they take on Lafayette (1-4-1) in Easton, PA.

Matthew Soetebeer can be reached at matthew.soetebeer@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, Women's Soccer