The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team suffered its fifth one-goal loss of the season in its Northeast Conference opener on Tuesday night to Sacred Heart, 1-0, at University Field in Teaneck. With the victory, the Pioneers improve to 5-3-2 (1-0 NEC) on the season, while the Knights fall to 0-9-0 overall.
Both teams played each other to a draw for most of the first half until Sacred Heart's Amanda Stiles won a 50-50 ball at midfield and beat FDU keeper Stephanie Tanzi (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West) (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West) on the fast-break about 30 yards out and scored the open-netter to put the visitors up, 1-0, in the 41st minute. That was all Sacred Heart would need to earn the victory.
The Knights had an early opportunity to take an early lead, but junior Rashidah Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial) (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial) could not fully control a loose ball with the Sacred Heart keeper out of the goal.
In the final five minutes of the game, the Knights' attack put pressure on the Sacred Heart defense but was not able to break through to tie the game.
Tanzi suffered another tough loss in goal for the Knights. She made four saves. Meghan Reichelt made for saves for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers outshot the Knights, 10-7, and held an 11-3 advantage in corner kicks.
"We came out fighting tonight and had chances early," said Head Coach Renee Montana. "We continued to put pressure on their back line, but the late first half goal was a tough break."
"Our team never quit. Bailey Popowich (Yorkton, Saskatchewan/Yorkton Regional) (Yorkton, Saskatchewan/Yorkton Regional) played outstanding and earned the game ball for us tonight."
The Knights are back in action on Friday, Oct. 1, as they travel to Smithfield, RI to take on Bryant in a conference tilt. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
