Women held scoreless in second straight contest

Despite amassing 16 shots and six corner kicks, the women’s soccer team drew 0-0 with Seton Hall on Monday afternoon. The game was the Tigers’ second of the season and their second consecutive home matchup. Princeton, which has now been shut out in two consecutive matches, has not yet scored a goal this season. The Tigers have not been shut out in consecutive games to open a season since failing to score in three straight matches to begin the 2007 season.

The scoreless tie came after Princeton (0-1-1, 0-0 Ivy) lost 5-0 to Rutgers (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten) at home this past Sunday, while Seton Hall (1-4-1, 0-0 Big East) ended a four-game losing streak during which the Pirates tallied only one goal. The game was the third overtime showdown in a row for the two clubs, as Princeton and Seton Hall battled to a scoreless tie last season in South Orange and lost there 2-1 in overtime in 2011. Despite these recent results, Princeton continues to dominate the series overall, posting an 8-2-2 record in 12 matchups all-time against the Pirates.

Despite the Tigers’ inability to convert any chances, Princeton did create many opportunities throughout the game. Sophomore forward Tyler Lussi led all players with nine shots, two of which were on target. Senior defender Lauren Lazo and freshman forward Beth Stella each added two shots, with one each on target. However, Seton Hall goalkeeper Illissa Blackshear was up to the task, recording six saves during her full 110 minutes of play. Her defense also produced two blocks, including an important stop in the 88th minute that foiled a Lussi header attempt.

Princeton senior goalkeeper Darcy Hargadon recorded her sixth career shutout, converting on her only save opportunity of the match near the end of the first overtime period. Three seconds later, her defense blocked another shot attempt, the Tigers’ third block of the game, sending the teams into double overtime scoreless. The shutout also represented Hagadon’s second consecutive shutout against Seton Hall.

The Tigers will now prepare for two weekend matchups, including their first road game of the season against La Salle on Friday evening (2-2-1, 0-0 Atlantic Ten). Princeton owns the all-time series, boasting a 6-1-1 record against the Explorers. The last meeting between the two clubs, in October of last year, resulted in a 0-0 draw. The Tigers will return home for a Sunday afternoon showdown with Villanova (1-3-1, 0-0 Big East). Princeton last squared off against the Wildcats in 2011, emerging with a 2-1 road victory.