HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Columbia women's soccer team opened the 2024 season Friday afternoon by playing to a scoreless draw against Hofstra.
 
Columbia applied pressure in the closing minutes Friday and was able to get a few looks at the goal, but none of the shots made it to the net. First-year Gabby Chan took a shot on an open look in the 82^nd minute that hit the crossbar. Fellow first-year Annie Faraone also found a look late in the game, but Hofstra's Mackenzie Sullivan used a save in the 87^th minute to keep the game scoreless. The season opening draw Friday marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons the Lions have opened the season by playing to a draw.
 
The Lions finished the day with 10 shots. Columbia had three shots hit the post, and used two breakaways. Chan tallied three total shots Friday as she played 61 minutes in her Columbia debut. As a unit, the Lions totaled three shots on goal. Maia Tabion, Angel Akanyirige and Faraone were each credited with one shot on goal. The Columbia defense held strong, limiting Hofstra to just three shots.
 
Senior goalkeeper Lauren Rodriguez got the start in the net and played all 90 minutes to preserve the scoreless draw. Rodriguez played great in the net and tipped two balls over the net to maintain the shutout. Friday marked the first start and the most playing time of her Columbia career as she looks to be a mainstay in goal for the Lions this season.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions have a week to recover before taking a weekend trip to Tennessee. Columbia will face Vanderbilt on Friday, August 30 before wrapping up the trip with a match against Tennessee Tech on Sunday, September 1.
 
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @CULionsWSOC on X, Instagram, Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.