Hofstra Women’s Soccer defeat Columbia, Improve to 3-1-0
Junior midfielder Noriana Radwan lifts Hofstra to a 1-0 win over the Columbia - Photo: Jonathan Heisler/Hofstra Women’s Soccer
On Sunday in Hempstead, New York the Hofstra Pride defeated the Columbia Lions 1-0, improving to 3-1-0 for the 2016 season. Neither team was able to get on the board in the first half, but the Pride benefitted from more shots 12-2. Columbia keeper Sophie Whitehouse was credited with 5 saves in the first half. Noriana Radwan and Jill Mulholland combined for 7 of 12 first half shots for Hofstra. Kristy Cotter and Emily Koe had one shot apiece from the Columbia bench.
Frederike Mehring took over keeper duties for Hofstra in the second half, making seven saves on 8 shots from the Lions in the second half. Sophomore Emma Anderson led the Columbia attack with five shots, accounting for all but one of the Lions shots down the wire.
However, it would be Mulholland and Radwan that would connect for the lone goal of the contest. Jill found Noriana, who took a few touches, before scoring from 25 yards out. Mulholland dodged her defender and saw Radwan wide open, “I know she can strike a ball from distance, so it was a perfect pass and a perfect shot,” said the senior midfielder.
Although the game might not have gone as the Pride would have liked in certain aspects, both veteran Mulholland and Head Coach Simon Riddiough noted that the grti the team showed is what put Hofstra on top, and will likely be something the team will need to rely on in conference play. “(Columbia) gave us a really tough battle and we struggled to break them down. But, ultimately, we won the game and we didn’t break under the pressure in the last fifteen minutes, which is a fantastic attitude to have moving forward. That’s going to be a conference-type game.”
The Pride took 20 shots in the contest, forcing seven saves from Columbia’s keeper Whitehouse. According to Mulholland, the perseverance on the offensive end is something Hofstra has focused on in practice. “That’s what we’ve been working on, these past couple of weeks in practice, our offensive part of the game. Simon said, ‘If you keep shooting, eventually one’s going to go in the net.’ And, it did (laughs).”
Taking shots and focusing on offense is likely an adjustment to losing the threat of Leah Galton. “Obviously, we’re a different team this year. We lost a major, professional forward. So, we had to kinda rethink,” said Radwan, referring to Leah Galton. The Harrogate, England native graduated in May and now competes for Sky Blue FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Last season, Galton led the team with 12 goals and 30 points. She concluded her college career with 122 points, a program record, tied for first in career assists with 26 and placed second in Hofstra history with 48 career goals.
However, the Pride to return the second leading scorer from last year in Mulholland. Back with one year left in eligibility, Mulholland has seven points in 4 games. She scored the only Pride goal in the season opener against Buffalo and her two goals Thursday propelled Hofstra to 2-0 victory over Boston University. She was recently named CAA Player of the Week and will be an important presence for this Hofstra team. “Jill is the most experienced player on this team. It’s really great to play with her, she has a lot of flair, and a lot of creativity,” said Radwan after Sunday’s match. “I think we work really well together in the midfield.” The duo currently lead the team in scoring as Radwan secured her second goal against Columbia, leaving her one shy of Jill’s tally.
However, it will take an offensive threat and top fitness for the Pride to have a successful year. Radwan noted that fitness and work rate were the elements of the Hofstra team that would keep them in games and break down opponents. “As the season goes on, we have to keep our fitness up and work really hard in practice.” Fitness and work rate is an element of the game Riddiough challenged Noriana to work on during the offseason. So far, he has been pleased to see the junior rise to the occasion, “She’s worked her socks off over the summer and gotten herself in really good game condition. And she’s shown today, and she’s shown for the last three games that she can be a valuable weapon for Hofstra.”
Overall, the Hofstra Pride looked poised to play a full 90 minute game. With a solid defensive performance, and a continued attack to the net, the Pride look to have a solid season. Coach Riddiough is confident that if his team can create more opportunities, they will be a contender, “If we can do that … our attitude will make it difficult to beat us. Moving into conference, it’s going to be a typical conference year where anybody can beat anybody, and hopefully the attitude and mentality of Hofstra will be the difference.”
The Hofstra Pride will face DePaul and UNC-Greensboro this weekend during the Army West Point Invitational. The Pride will enter conference play on the road against Drexel on September 23rd, and will return home on October 7th to host Elon University.
Follow Erica Ayala on Twitter @elindsay08
