PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Hofstra University Women's Soccer team suffered a 4-1 defeat to the No. 21 Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Yurcak Field on Thursday evening. Rutgers improves to 5-0-0 this season, while Hofstra drops to 2-3-0.
 
Hofstra controlled the pace for nearly the entire first half, stunning Rutgers with seven total shots with five on target by the midway point. Rutgers had an opportunity off a free kick early on, however a deflection led to a defensive save by junior Sabrina Bryan, keeping the Scarlet Knights off the board. Just under three minutes later, Hofstra broke through when junior Lucy Shepherd took a shot off the Scarlet Knight goalkeeper off passes from junior Lucy Porter and junior Bella Richards.
 
The Pride nearly doubled its advantage on a one-on-one opportunity, however Rutgers keeper Meagan McClelland made a sliding stop on a shot by Miri Taylor, before junior Skylar Kuzmich made a two-handed diving save on another one-on-one opportunity on the opposite end shortly after.
 
Rutgers found the equalizer five minutes into the second half when Nneka Moneme slid a shot past Kuzmich, knotting the score at one. Hofstra held Rutgers without an opportunity for over 20 minutes, however the Scarlet Knights stunned the Pride with three-straight goals within three minutes, finalizing the score, 4-1.
 
Shepherd led Hofstra with three shots on goal, while Kuzmich finished with four saves.
 
Hofstra will return to the pitch against Stony Brook for the Long Island Rivalry presented by The Greene Turtle on Sunday, September 8. Kickoff at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
 
NOTES:
-Rutgers increases the series lead, 4-0 over Hofstra
-Hofstra's tally was only the second goal allowed by Rutgers this season and was the first goal scored against the Scarlet Knights since their season opener.
-Richards and Porter each tallied their first assist of the season