The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team upended previously unbeaten visiting Drexel University, 3-1, Friday, Sept. 5 at University Field. Freshman forward Rashidah Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial) (Pelham Manor, NY) continued her torrid scoring pace, accounting for all three of the Knights' (3-1) goals.
FDU's rookie became the first student-athlete in program history to net a hat trick. Sherman's game-winner in 14 seconds after the opening tap also marks the fastest goal in Knights history ? an honor previously held by current Assistant Coach Marguerite Ferrell, a 2005 graduate of the Metropolitan Campus. (Ferrell, a '05 graduate, scored 1:03 into the game during a 5-0 triumph over Robert Morris University, Oct. 4, 2002 in Teaneck, NJ).
The Knights took command when junior midfielder Christine Niven (/Middleboro) (Middleboro, MA) dropped a pass back to junior midfielder Emma Howes (Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia/Barranjoey) (Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia) who finessed a feed past the Dragons' (2-1) back line. Sherman burst through a pair of defenders and one-touched a finish lower right.
Senior goalkeeper Rachel Derrico (/Canon McMillan) (Canonsburg, PA) made three saves to notch her third-consecutive victory. Meanwhile, FDU improved to 2-0 at home this season.
The win proved Fairleigh Dickinson's fourth against a Colonial Athletic Association opponent and first since a 1-0 decision over the Drexel, Sept. 8 2006 (Head Coach Renee Montana first-ever at the Division I level). All four victories are against the Dragons, as FDU now trails the all-time series, 4-3.
“This is a very good win versus a tough opponent,” Montana said. “”We knew coming in that we had to set the tone early and control the pace. I'm pleased we struck early and continued the pressure, not allowing Drexel to dictate the flow.”
Sherman then struck in 16th minute to put the Knights ahead, 2-0. Junior midfielder Jennifer Arceneaux (/Ralston Valley) (Arvada, CO) slid a pass into the box where Sherman ? the Northeast Conference's leading scorer ? delivered a strike lower left and under the arm of oncoming Drexel goalie Kaitlin Bond (Landisville, PA).
Dragons' freshman forward Jenna Lindsay (Thorofare, NJ) sliced the deficit in half in the 47th minute with an arcing, far post attempt from the right corner. The play began with an outlet ball by senior midfielder Aleka Yiantsos (Voorhees, NJ).
The home-standing squad's insurance marker came in the 67th minute. Niven originated a give-and-go with Arceneaux, before Sherman accepted a through ball and flicked a shot in the lower left corner.
“Rashidah had an outstanding game,” Montana said. “She finished the opportunities provided and led an impressive showing for the entire team.”
Bond, a senior, stopped five shots in the loss. Niven and Arceneaux finished with two assists a piece.
Fairleigh Dickinson hosts Rider University at noon, Sunday, Sept. 7. The contest marks the two teams' first meeting since 2000 ? the Knights first-year of existence.
