Seton Hall University
4-6-3, 1-1-2
Providence
5-6-1, 2-2-0
Pucci Leads Pirates In Gritty 1-0 Win Over Providence
10/6/2024 8:48:00 PM | Women's Soccer
South Orange, N.J. — Chiara Pucci's first half goal and a staunch defensive effort in the second half propelled the Seton Hall women's soccer team's gritty 1-0 win over Providence on Sunday afternoon at Owen T. Carroll Field.
The Pirates (4-6-3, 1-1-2 BIG EAST) and their goal keeping tandem made up of Anna Prawer (London, England) and Avery Strohecker (South Riding, Va.) combined to shutout the Friars as the defense posted its fifth clean sheet of the season and its second in conference play. With five points in the BIG EAST standings, Seton Hall is in a four-way tie for fourth place.
How It Happened
Seton Hall came out as the aggressor on both sides of the field in the first 45 minutes and the statistics painted that picture as well. The Pirates put up seven shots and held Providence to just three shot attempts, the first of which came 16 minutes into the game and the two others came in the final two minutes of the half.Â
WIth five minutes to go before halftime, the Pirates drew a corner kick that was taken by Natalie Tavana (Middletown, Conn.). Tavana's kick found Pucci in the box but her header attempt was blocked. The ball was played back and went off of a Providence player for a Seton Hall throw-in. The throw-in went to Pucci who sent a high-arching kick from 30 yards out back into 16-yard box. The ball took a favorable bounce and went over the outstretched hands of the Providence keeper, who was off her line, and crossed the line for a Seton Hall goal.
The second half saw the Pirates get off the first two shots, first by Megan Twomey (Oakland, N.J.) followed by Olivia Beauvois (Windsor, Conn.). Seton Hall would play stingy defense for the final 45 minutes, led by Strohecker in goal and the back line made up of Pucci, Rachel Gerrie (Littleton, Colo.), Gia Milano (Scotch Plains, N.J.) and Kyle Ray (Hampden, Mass.). The Pirates' four defenders played the full 90 minutes and Strohecker stopped a career-high seven shots.
Inside The Box Score
- Seton Hall finished with an 13-12 edge in shots but Providence had a 9-7 edge in shots on goal.
- Pucci has scored three goals this season and is now up to nine career points (three goals, three assists).
- The goal was Pucci's second game-winner of the season after her penalty kick goal against Marist in the season opener
- Seton Hall has posted at least five BIG EAST points in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2010 and 2011.
- Twomey made her first start of the season at the head of The Hall's offensive attack.
- Milano made her second start of the season and played the full 90 on the back lineÂ
- Tavana played and started in her 70th career match, making her 10th in school history in career starts.
- Tavana tied for the game-high with four shots and she played the full 90 minutes along with fellow midfielder Phoebe Hampson (Cheshire, England).
Up Next
The Pirates will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 13, when they travel to Xavier for a 1 p.m. contest.
Team Stats
Chiara Pucci (3)
GOAL by SHU Pucci, Chiara.
41:15
