Pirates Fall Short in Big East Conference Opener

Published: Saturday, September 20, 2025

by Darren Worrell

VILLANOVA, P.A. -- The Seton Hall Pirates (3-2-4) opened Big East play when they hit the road to take on the Villanova Wildcats (6-3) at Higgins Soccer Complex on Saturday evening, falling short by a score of 1-0.

The Wildcats were able to get on the board in the 26th minute as a handball by the Pirates set them up with a free kick. Gabby Koluch launched it into the far right corner and Pirate keeper Kate Kleinsmith could not get a hand on that one. This was the first goal of the season for Koluch, and the Pirates found themselves down 1-0.

The Wildcats outshot the Pirates 9-0 in the first half, with three of their attempts landing on goal. Going into the break, the Pirates had to figure out how to gain and maintain possession of the ball, and most importantly they had to minimize Villanova's attacks.

The second half was very back and forth, as Seton Hall came out with more aggressiveness. They were finally able to get shots attempted from Gianna Angelillo who had two good looks at the goal but was not able to convert them.

Those looks by Angelillo were all the Pirates were able to attempt in this matchup. Villanova would try to pick up right where they left off as they were able to attempt eight more shots in the second half, however none of them were able to convert.

Neither team would score in the second half, and when the clock ran out, the Wildcats had themselves their first win in conference play as the Pirates fell to 0-1 within the Big East.

Kleinsmith faced immense pressure throughout the match, making her performance an impressive one. Despite the goal in the first half, she recorded three saves and kept Seton Hall in the game.

The Pirates now turn their attention to their second game of conference play when they return home to Owen T. Carroll Field, where they will host the Georgetown Hoyas on September 24 at 6 P.M where Ryder Nuesell and Ryan Nelke will be on the call.

Darren Worrell can be reached at darren.worrell@student.shu.edu 

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