The Elon University women’s soccer team defeated Hofstra University 2-1 to win their 11th game of the season Oct. 17. With a late goal and tough second half defense, Elon managed to prevail in a tightly contested matchup against Hofstra. It was Elon’s first win after losing 0-3 to College of Charleston on Oct. 13.
Little action occurred during the first 25 minutes as both teams combined for only 3 shot attempts.
With 20 minutes left in the first half, Elon scored the first points off a goal from sophomore midfielder Gabby Hoschek.
Hoschek said she recognized Hofstra defenders were surrounding the middle of the field and told graduate defender Katie Lowe to be on the lookout if they continued playing that way.
“I told Lowe to keep playing the balls on the weak side, and that I would be there because everyone was clustered in the middle of the field,” Hoschek told Elon News Network.
It was her fourth goal of the season, which matches her total from last year.
Both teams went scoreless until there were three minutes remaining in the first half when Hofstra freshman forward Hailey Moschitta tied the game at 1-1.
Elon had multiple scoring opportunities in the second half but couldn’t capitalize. They had 4 shots in the first 15 minutes but came up empty.
However, Elon’s defense managed to keep the score tied. Hofstra only had one shot on goal during the second half compared to the three attempted goals in the first half.
Despite ranking sixth in saves, Elon ranks second in points allowed with 12, according to CAA Handbook Statistics.
Elon women's soccer won a decisive 2-1 victory over CAA foe Hofstra thanks to a late score by junior Ashlee Brehio on Oct. 17.
Head coach Neil Payne said what makes Elon’s defense so effective is their understanding and cohesiveness on the field.
“We’ve got players in the back line and in goal who are talented, but also very disciplined and have a good understanding of the game,” Payne said. “They work really well as a unit and I couldn’t be more pleased with them.”
Elon retook the lead when junior forward Ashlee Brehio scored with under 20 minutes remaining.
It was Brehio’s third goal of the season.
Brehio said she saw freshman forward Jess Beck dribbling and proceeded to sprint downfield in order to give herself the best opportunity to score
“I saw Jess with the ball and from midfield, I was trying to get myself in the best position possible in order to play the ball across in order to finish,” Brehio said. “We needed a goal.”
Payne said he was impressed by the team’s resilience offensively despite some of the missed opportunities earlier in the second half. He said their mental toughness has particularly impressed him anytime Elon faces adversity.
“I’ve seen a real change in the team in terms of grit, determination and being resilient,” Payne said. “We don’t drop our heads when we get scored on, and we almost get a better response from that little bit of adversity.”
Elon’s defense would keep Hofstra scoreless for the remaining 19 minutes.
The victory was an impressive one for Elon as Hofstra went into the game 6-2-6 along with a 4-2-2 conference record.
With two games before the playoffs, Brehio stressed the need for Elon to maintain the same level of play going forward.
“We just have to keep this level going,” Brehio said. “We played the full 90 minutes of this game and it was one of the best we played all season. I think we just need to keep that level.”
This is Elon’s best record since 2019 when they went 12-6-2. Following this game, the Phoenix moved to 11-2-1 and 6-2 in conference play. As for Hofstra, the loss puts them at 6-3-6.
Elon will rest for a week before hosting their final home game of the regular season against Campbell at 7 p.m.