NEW YORK — Hofstra scored three second-half goals in a span of less than five minutes, which was enough to defeat the Columbia women's soccer team in the Lions' 2021 home opener, 3-0, Thursday night at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
 
Columbia (0-2-1) fended off 11 first-half shots by the 25th-ranked Pride (4-1-0) to go into halftime scoreless. Hofstra finally cracked the Lions' defense in the 52nd minute and the flood gates opened. Forty seconds later, the Pride put away their second goal on a perfectly placed shot from well outside the box by Ellen Halseth. Less than four minutes after that, Lucy Shepard scored off her own corner kick, sending a left-footed inswinger into the far corner to suddenly make it 3-0.
 
First-year goalkeeper Audrey Byrne did well to keep Hofstra off the scoreboard through the first half. The rookie came up with a spectacular save in the 22nd minute, diving and snatching a shot off the foot of Georgia Brown out of the top-right corner. Later in the half, she stopped a sure goal off the head of Miri Taylor from point-blank range, using her right hand to punch the header over the crossbar. Despite the 21-3 disadvantage in total shots taken on the evening, Columbia had its chances to score. One of the best chances came in the 40th minute, when Spencer Robbins caught up to a pass in space just outside the Hofstra penalty area. Robbins sent a beautiful cross along the ground that found Ally Clark near the penalty spot, but Clark's left-footed shot didn't find the mark, bouncing just wide right of the goal.
 
After Hofstra had scored its first two goals, Columbia had an opportunity to cut the deficit in half in the 54th minute. A long clearance by Marcia Ojo made its way downfield and was caught up to by Nata Ramirez. The sophomore battled for position with her marker and got free, but was called for a foul in the process to deny the goal-scoring opportunity.
 
Columbia will look for a bounce back on Sunday, hosting Bucknell (1-2-1) at Commisso Soccer Stadium at 2:30 p.m. For fans unable to attend, the match will be available on ESPN+.

For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @CULionsWSOC on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.