Elon WSOC Phoenix Falls 2-0 at Hofstra

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Elon University women’s soccer fell to the league-leading Hofstra Pride, 2-0, in Colonial Athletic Association action on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

BOX SCORE

The Phoenix falls to 8-5-4 overall and 1-3-3 in CAA action after the loss to remain in a tie for seventh in the league standings. Hofstra increases its unbeaten streak to 11 matches and improves to 12-3-2 overall and remain undefeated in league play with an 8-0-0 record.

HIGHLIGHTS
Reena Wichmann nearly put the Phoenix in front in the seventh minute as her half-volley shot from 25 yards clanked off the crossbar. Hofstra’s first attempt of the match came just under 10 minutes into the match but Hanna Macaulay saved Bella Richard’s header.

Elon had another chance to take the lead in the 18th minute. Hofstra goalkeeper Jenna Borresen saved Hannah Doherty’s shot to keep the match scoreless.

The Pride made the breakthrough in the 36th minute after four total shot attempts. Hofstra’s first two shots hit off the post and an Elon defender blocked its third attempt. The Phoenix was unable to clear the ball out of the box and Richards scored to put Hofstra ahead 1-0 at halftime.

Hofstra continued to look to extend its lead with four shots in the first 12 minutes of the second half. Three of the four shots were blocked and Macaulay saved the third attempt in the 54th minute.

Doherty got another opportunity for the Phoenix with her second shot of the match in the 64th minute. Newly substituted goalkeeper Ashley Wilson was there to make the save for Hofstra.

The redshirt freshman from Crumlin, Northern Ireland had two more chances to equalize the match in the 79th and 81st minute. Wilson was there to make both saves to keep Hofstra in front.

The Pride extended its lead 2-0 just over seven minutes to play as Lucy Shepard scored her third of the year in the 83rd minute off Kristin Desmond’s assist.

Elon got one more opportunity to score just moments later in the 85th minute, but Meredith Christopher’s header was stopped by Wilson and Hofstra held on for the victory.

The Pride outshot the Phoenix 19-6 and had a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. Elon had five of its six shots on frame. Hofstra also had an 8-2 advantage in corners.

Macaulay made five saves in goal for the Phoenix. Wilson and Borresen each split time for Hofstra to combine for the shutout.

UP NEXT
The Phoenix begins the final week of conference play on Thursday, Oct. 19, on the road against the Delaware Blue Hens. The match will kick off at 7 p.m.