Miri Taylor scored a highlight-reel goal in the second half. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Hofstra University women continued their hot start to the season, shutting out the defending Ivy League champions, Brown University, 4-0, on a hot Friday afternoon at the Hofstra Soccer Stadium.
The Pride (4-0-0) extended its home unbeaten streak to 19 matches while Brown dropped its season opener.
Senior Miri Taylor led the way with two goals, including a highlight-reel score from nearly 30 yards in the second half. Taylor has 60 points for her Hofstra career. She needs just four more to crack into Hofstra’s top-10 career list.
Junior Ellen Halseth picked up the first three points of her Hofstra career, netting the first goal and assisting on freshman Olivia Pearse’s first career tally late in the match. Senior Krista Agostinello also recorded her first two career points, assisting on both of Taylor’s goals.
Junior goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich needed one save to record her second successive shutout and sixth of her career.
Like it has all season, Hofstra controlled the pace nearly the entirety of the match, posting a 16-3 advantage in shot opportunities while limiting Brown no chances in the first half.
It took 10 minutes for Hofstra to score when Halseth deflected in a clear attempt by goalkeeper Kayla Thompson, giving the Pride a one-goal advantage. Just about 10 minutes later, Agostinello crossed a pass into the box and found the head of Taylor, who doubled Hofstra’s lead.
It was déjà vu all over again when Agostinello once again found Taylor. This time, however, Taylor struck from deep for a stunning goal to put Hofstra comfortably up by three with 26 minutes remaining. Pearse added another goal, heading in a perfect ball by Halseth to wrap up the win.
Hofstra will travel to University Park, Pa. to face the No. 7 Penn State University at 3 p.m. Sunday.
