Box Score
The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team earned its first Northeast Conference win with a 2-0 victory over Central Connecticut State University on Sunday, Oct. 2 in Teaneck, NJ. Goals from seniors Loren Rich (Northampton, PA/Allentown Central Catholic) and Rashidah Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial) helped the Knights improve to 4-5-1 (1-2 NEC) on the season, while the Blue Devils drop to 3-3-4 (0-1-2 NEC).
The Knights opened the game with several scoring opportunities that were broken up by the Blue Devil defense. Sherman challenged the backline with three strong runs, while Rich and Lisa-Marie Curti (Richmond Hill, Ontario/St. Theresa of Lisieux) each recorded a shot in the opening half.
The Blue Devils tallied two shots, one of which was on target but neither team was able to capitalize on their opportunities in the first 45 minutes.
In the 51st minute, freshman Lilja Gunnarsdottir (Kopavogur, Iceland/Menntaskolnn I Reykjavik) took a corner kick from the right side for the Knights. Gunnarsdottir's cross was placed near the opposite post where Rich was waiting for the header. Rich scored her first goal of the season to put the Knights up 1-0.
The Knights accepted another corner kick in the 72nd minute where Amy Flanagan (Freehold, NJ/Freehold)'s cross met Curti in the six-yard box. Curti was able to get her head on the cross but the shot went just wide.
Several minutes later, Sherman gave the Blue Devil defense a scare with a breakaway from midfield. Sherman beat three CCSU defenders to face goal keeper, Nikola Deiter, in the penalty box but hit the right post on her shot attempt.
After two shots from the Central Connecticut offense, Sherman got another chance. In the 85th minute, freshman Alexa Tirelli (Slate Hill, NY/Minisink Valley) fed Sherman the ball in the center of the field. Sherman used her speed and control of the ball to outrun two defenders before facing Deiter in the box. This time, Sherman moved left and shot the ball to the lower right corner of the net, securing the Knights' lead at 2-0.
The Knights recorded nine shots, with five on target, while the Blue Devils tallied ten shots with five on goal.
Sophomore goal keeper, Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) made two saves before she left the game due to an injury. Senior Stephanie Tanzi (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West) finished the game in goal and recorded three saves.
The Knights return to Northeast Conference action on Friday, Oct. 7 when they travel to Staten Island to take on the Wagner Seahawks. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 pm.
