Junior Samson Malijani (Lusaka, Zambia, /La Sapienza) (Lusaka, Zambia) scored a hat trick, Friday, Oct. 24 to lead the Fairleigh Dickinson University men's soccer team past visiting Saint Francis University (PA), 3-2, at University Field in Teaneck, NJ. Two of the forward's scoring strikes came in the first half, with his fourth game-winner of the year coming in the final 45 minutes.
Malijani has scored in nine-consecutive matches, the longest active Northeast Conference streak since at least 2002, and has netted nine of the Knights' (8-3-2 overall, 3-0-1 NEC) last ten goals.
The Red Flash, who upset the league's first place program, St. Francis College (NY) last weekend, slipped to 4-9-1 overall (1-4 NEC).
In the 13th minute, freshman midfielder Christian Vasconez (Quito, Ecuador/Dickinson) (Quito, Equador) won a ball in the left corner, then slid a pass to Malijani at the six-yard box. Malijani scored the afternoon's opening tally with a low shot placed in the middle of the net.
However, Saint Francis answered 90 seconds later with a free kick opportunity ? a result of a 50-50 ball that concluded with a collision. Sophomore forward Patrick Fleming (Danedia, New Zealand) bent a ball from 25 yards out, lower left, to tie things, 1-1.
Malijani capitalized in the 25th minute, with senior defender Marcos Morales (St. Charles, IL/St. Charles) (St. Charles, IL) starting the play. Morales pushed a ball through into the box for freshman forward Paul King (New Castle, England/Monkseaton) (Newcastle, England). The rookie flicked a ball to Malijani, who settled with his chest and one-touched an effort lower right.
A penalty kick cashed-in lower left in the 58th minute, allowed for Malijani's third goal. Moments earlier, the forward was taken down inside the box after making a run in anticipation of a cross from the right side.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, the Red Flash cut the deficit to 3-2, following a corner kick. Sophomore defender Daniel Moir (Christchurch, New Zealand) headed a ball, but FDU junior goalkeeper Majdi Zaineh (Clifton, NJ/Clifton)'s (Clifton, NJ) reaction to right side deflected the attempt. Sophomore defender Benjamin Kujawa (Jarretsville, MD) ultimately converted the rebound.
“It's great to earn three points in conference,” Head Coach Seth Roland said. “I thought Saint Francis played a very good game and I'm please how we competed. Sam continues to be at the top of his game.”
Zaineh improved to 5-1-1 on the year, recording four stops ? all coming in the second half. Conversely, SFU sophomore goalie Darius Motazed (North Vancouver, Canada) made two saves in the loss.
Fairleigh Dickinson is back in action, Sunday, Oct. 26, hosting Robert Morris University at 1:00 p.m.
