Box Score
The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team (0-0-1) opened the 2011 season with a scoreless double overtime tie against Rider (0-1-1) on Tuesday, August 23 in Teaneck, NJ.
The Broncs began their offensive attack with two quick shots eight minutes into the game. Sophomore Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) was able to make the saves to cut Rider's momentum.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half, senior Rashida Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial) took the ball down the left sideline before crossing it through the middle. Rider goal keeper, Danielle Singson scooped up the ball to cut the Knight's chance.
The game went into halftime scoreless. Three minutes into the second half, Rider freshman Natalie Dodd drove hard towards the goal but was stopped by DoVale in a one-on-one situation.
Sherman challenged Rider's keeper Jenn Nichols with 32 minutes remaining when she rocketed a shot towards the upper left corner of the net. After Nichols made the save, Sherman took a second chance at a shot. Sherman's second shot went wide.
Both teams played aggressively and earned chances to put the ball in the net in the final minutes of regulation. After 90 minutes the game remained scoreless.
In the first overtime period the Knights earned their first corner kick of the game. Senior captain, Julie Woolridge (St. John's, Newfoundland/Bishops College) took the kick for the Knights. Woolridge landed the ball in front of the net but senior Loren Rich (Northampton, PA/Allentown Central Catholic)'s header was not on point.
The follow through on an FDU free kick gave sophomore Lindzy Williams (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood) a chance at the game winner in the second overtime period but her shot went just wide of the net.
Rider strengthened their offense in the closing minutes of the game, creating a frenzy in front of the Knights' goal. After a shot hit the crossbar with less than a minute remaining, DoVale shut down two final shots to hold onto the shutout.
Head Coach Renee Montana was happy with the team's defensive performance. “The focus for the start has been on the defense,” said Montana. “Not giving up a goal in this first game is fantastic.”
“We have to finish our opportunities up top,” added Montana. “When that comes, I think we'll start getting some wins.”
The Knights hit the road to take on the University of Maine in Portland, ME on Saturday, August 27.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
