Credit: GR Productions
Seton Hall blanks Lafayette 2-0 in Season Opener
Published: Friday, August 22, 2025
by Christian Oliveri
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. -- The Seton Hall Pirates (1-0-0) shut out the Lafayette Leopards (0-1-0) by a score of 2-0 on Thursday night in their season opener.
Both Seton Hall and Lafayette were very aggressive out of the gates. Each team tallied
four fouls in ten minutes, with Hugo Gerbore of the Pirates and James Meilnick of
the Leopards not allowing each other room to breathe.
This was a trend throughout the night. Later on, Gaels’ Samir Dishnica picked up the
first yellow card of the match and Nico Rubio drew one for the Pirates.
Despite Lafayette’s suffocating back line, the Pirates continued to find open space
on their attack, leading the Leopards nine to zero in shots.
Seton Hall’s impressive back line, consisting of Liam Guske, Agustin Resch, Konstantin
Donalies, and Sam Bjork, refused to let Lafayette attempt a shot on goal in the first
half. However, a controversial handball was called, and Til Kauschke capitalized on
the penalty, putting the Pirates up 1-0 in the 23rd minute.
The frustration was expressed through the Lafayette fans in South Orange, as well
as the players, as they searched for calls in the hope that something could go their
way to spark offense.
Goalkeeper Eric Axtman was the lone bright spot for the Leopards, not allowing the
Pirates to double their lead heading into the break. He collected five saves out of
the seven shots taken on goal in the first half.
The physicality continued throughout the second half, yet Seton Hall held their ground.
Lafayette was able to get some shots through the Pirates' potent defense, but not
enough to mount a comeback.
It was Mikkel Lebowicz who was able to seal the game in the 87th minute off a deflection
by Til Kauschke, providing the Pirates with a cushion to their lead with just minutes
remaining.
Once again, the Hall’s backline remained strong, which allowed them to control the
pace for much of the match. They won their matchups and refused to surrender to the
Leopards’ aggression all night long.
If the Pirates can continue this confident style of play, they could once again have
a very solid season. Seton Hall will look to do so when they take the field again
on Sunday as they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at 8:00 P.M.
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