Miri Taylor scored a goal in each half. (Photo courtesy of Hofstra)
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The No. 14 Hofstra University women secured their sixth consecutive win and fourth straight shutout, opening up Colonial Athletic Association play with a 2-0 decision over Towson University at Hofstra Soccer Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Miri Taylor scored both goals for Hofstra (9-1, 1-0), which has blanked seven of its 10 opponents this season.
The hosts were tested early and often as they faced a season-high 13 shots for Towson (5-3-2). Hofstra outshot Towson, 21-13, as reigning United Soccer Coaches Division I player of the week and CAA defensive player of the week Skylar Kuzmich had another spectacular outing in goal with five saves. That was two away from her previous career-high of seven that she set at Princeton University. Towson goalkeeper Riley Melendez made eight stops.
Hofstra took advantage of an early opportunity as Towson was called for a handball inside the box. Senior forward Miri Taylor converted a penalty kick to give the Pride an early 1-0 advantage in the fifth minute. The goal would not deflate Towson, however, as the Tigers placed two shots on goal by the 22-minute mark, one of which was a point blank save by Kuzmich in the 17th minute.
The defensive battle continued into the second half, and after some close chances by both teams, Hofstra again took advantage of a Towson error when Taylor intercepted a pass intended for Melendez and chipped it over her head, giving Hofstra a bit more breathing room with just six minutes remaining.
Hofstra will hit the road and travel to James Madison University Sunday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m.
