Ashton shuts out Seton Hall in goalie battle

It was a goalkeeper’s match Thursday night, Sept. 6, as Hofstra men’s soccer and Seton Hall played 110 minutes without a goal on a rainy evening at Owen T. Carroll field.

The teams were not familiar with each other and their styles of play, as they haven’t met since 2004. With the tie, the series is now even at 2-2-1.

Hofstra was unable to secure their first win of the season, being shut-out for the second time since the year began – but not for lack of effort. Hofstra shot the ball a season-high 16 times, with five landing on target, only to be stopped by Seton Hall goalkeeper Andreas Nota.

A trio of Long Islanders kept the offensive pressure, as senior forward Matthew Vowinkel of New Hyde Park had four shot attempts, sophomore midfielder Storm Strongin of Hicksville came in as a sub in the 22nd minute and provided three shots and defender Sean Nealis of Massapequa also was able to muster three shots.

Seton Hall had 14 shots, but only three were on net. CJ Tibbling had four shots that all went wide while Carlton McKenzie had three shots, with only one actually testing the goalie.

Senior goalkeeper Alex Ashton made all three saves for his first clean sheet of the season.

It was an evenly matched game, with Hofstra having the opportunities in the first half, and Seton Hall in the second. The Pride had the only shot in overtime, from Nealis, but the attempt was thwarted by Seton Hall goalkeeper Nota, after which the whistle blew on the first overtime period. There were no shots in the second overtime period.

The Pride outshot Seton Hall 16-14. The Pirates had six corner kick opportunities compared to Hofstra’s three, including a chance in the second overtime period, but they were unable to convert on any of those chances.

Hofstra is now 0-3-2 with the tie, while Seton Hall is 2-1-1. 

Hofstra will have another chance to attain their first win of the season in its home opener on Sunday, Sept. 9, when the Pride square off with Harvard University. Kickoff will be at James M. Shuart Stadium at 1 p.m.

Image courtesy of Cam Keough