The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team's season came to a close, Friday, Nov. 7 in the Northeast Conference Tournament ? their first postseason appearance since 2004. The fourth-seeded Knights (8-11 overall, 5-4 NEC) fell, 3-0, versus the No. 1 seed, Long Island University (16-3-1 overall, 9-0 NEC), at Aviator Sports & Recreation Complex in Brooklyn, NY.
FDU started strong, controlling the tempo of play for the first 30 minutes. However, the Blackbirds began to push forward and create some scoring opportunities.
In the 31st minute, junior forward Tasia Davis (San Francisco, CA) ripped a shot, but Fairleigh Dickinson senior goalkeeper Rachel Derrico (/Canon McMillan) (Canonsburg, PA) released from the goalmouth to cut off the angle and make a diving stop. Less than a minute later, Long Island's freshman forward Ariana Calderon (Sacramento, CA) ? the NEC Player and Rookie of the Year ? headed a corner kick towards the back post where Knights' junior defender Emma Howes (Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia/Barranjoey) (Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia) was stationed and registered a team save following her clearance, also a header.
LIU kept the pressure on, breaking a scoreless contest in the 41st minute. Sophomore forward Lara Martinez (West Chester, OH) tallied the game-winner, heading a corner kick from senior defender Nicole Allen (Spencer, MA) inside the left post.
“I'm proud of this team ? it was a good year overall,” Head Coach Renee Montana said. “We weren't expected to be here, and it's tough for the seniors. But, we'll be back; we gained some experience and plan to be here next year.”
The Blackbirds' offense kept clicking to start the second stanza, notching three corners inside of a five minute span.
In the 51st minute, sophomore midfielder Kayleigh Morgan (Harlow, England) recorded her ninth goal of the year, making the margin, 2-0, in favor of the tourney host. Morgan's initial shot was deflected by Derrico. However, Morgan grabbed the rebound inside the box and sent a shot across the turf towards the middle of the net. Fairleigh Dickinson senior defender Amanda Wheeler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) (Marlton, NJ) ? the 2008 NEC Defensive Player of the Year ? appeared to make a sliding save, but the line judge ruled the ball had already crossed the line.
Sophomore forward Samantha Post (Littleton, CO) added an insurance marker in the 76th minute, her first collegiate scoring strike. The goal was unassisted.
Derrico finished the match with four saves, and slipped to 6-6 on the season. LIU senior goalie Amy Johnson (Maryland Heights, MO) made two stops in the win, en route to moving to 6-0 this year.
The Knights return 16 letter winners and six starters for the 2009 campaign.
