Playing a student-athlete down, the Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team battled past Sacred Heart University, to earn a 1-0 victory in double overtime, Sunday, Oct. 19. Junior midfielder Jennifer Arceneaux (/Ralston Valley) (Arvada, CO) struck with 1:53 remaining in the second overtime to record her team-leading second game-winner of the season, propelling the Knights (6-8 overall) to a 3-2 record in the Northeast Conference.
In the first overtime session, midfielder Lora Lehr (Rosemere, Quebec/Villa Maria) (Rosemere, Quebec) appeared to notch the golden goal, but an offside call nullified the junior's effort. Lehr's run down the left side of the field, followed by a cross into the box, provided Arceneaux an opportunity to finish lower right in the 109th minute. Moments earlier, Sacred Heart senior forward Britney Dupee (Portland, ME) buried a rebound opportunity, but an offside call prevented the Pioneers (1-12-3 overall, 0-4-1 NEC) from obtaining their first league win.
In the 103rd minute, FDU senior Rachel Derrico (/Canon McMillan) (Canonsburg, PA) ? who registered two saves ? received a red card and was ejected from the game. The goalkeeper sacrificed her body to eliminate a Sacred Heart breakaway, going feet first into a 50/50 ball and harshly upending a Pioneer. The Knights' defense scattered to collect a team save following SHU's free kick opportunity; ultimately keeping things tied, 0-0, in front of winning goalkeeper, junior Megan MacKellar (/Brookwood) (Lilburn, GA).
“There's no doubt about it ? this was a big win for us,” Head Coach Renee Montana said. “It was nice to see our girls play with nothing but heart. We're down 10 players in overtime and everyone stepped up even more.”
With just over 21 minutes left in the first half, the Pioneers had their best scoring opportunity of the afternoon, as junior midfielder Ashley Testani (Monroe, CT) one-timed an effort off the cross bar. Meanwhile, sophomore goalie Megan Reichelt (Selden, NY) kept her squad in the contest, making seven saves.
Fairleigh Dickinson travels to Hamden, CT at 3:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24 to take on Quinnipiac University.
