The Seton Hall women’s soccer team was defeated by Loyola University Maryland, 2-1, after Loyola found the back of the net in the first extra time period.
Seton Hall had not played an extra time game in all last year, which shows the hopeful improvement under coach Ciara Crinion. Notching a goal also bodes well for Seton Hall, who went goalless in 13 out of 18 matches last season.
Junior forward Cassy Harrigan, who was fourth on shot attempts last season, capitalized off a rebound to put the Pirates on the scoreboard first. The Greyhounds headed out the Seton Hall cross but then it landed to the foot of Harrigan, who nailed the right-footed goal from ten yards out. She would go on to finish tied for first place in shots for the match.
15 minutes later, Loyola answered with a goal on a set-piece from 18 yards out.
Despite the goal allowed, freshman goalkeeper Harpa Johannsdottir had played solid in her first start, stopping a multitude of shots.
Seton Hall led the first half in shots, edging the Greyhounds by a margin of 4-3. In the second half, the sides each had four shots.
The Pirates played well defensively on a couple of attacking plays that could have been goals for Loyola.
The Greyhounds got around Johannsdottir, near the 18-yard box but mistakenly passed it back to the middle of play and out of the reach of their nearest attacker. Seton Hall backpedaled to stop the scoring chance as the centre-backs blocked a low shot.
In extra time, Loyola had too much time on the ball as they secured the victory. Loyola paced the ball upfield and its striker dribbled through the left side of the pitch to slide the winning goal past Johannsdottir. .
Johannsdottir was caught in a difficult position that allowed the Loyola forward to place the game-winning goal in open space.
The Seton Hall women’s soccer team will look ride the offensive momentum into their next game as they host Lafayette in a home match. Though listed as a home match, the Pirates face-off against the leaopards away from Owen T. Carroll Field as it continues construction. Kick-off at the New York Red Bulls training facility is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 29.
Evando Thompson can be reached evando.thompson@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @Thompsev.
