Box Score
New Rochelle, N.Y. -- The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team played to a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods against the Gaels of Iona to open the 2012 season. Freshman Esther Rochon (Saint Romuald, Quebec/College Francois-Xavier-Garneau) scored the Knights' only goal of the game in the 58th minute. With the draw, both teams move to 0-0-1 on the season.
The Knights outshot Iona, 13-11, with six shots on goal. Junior Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) recorded four saves in goal for FDU.
“Playing 110 minutes in your opening game is not good for anyone,” explained interim Head Coach Marco Masucci. “It was a grueling game with a lot of contact and a lot of long runs. The players deserve all the credit in the world for pushing through this game. We did so much right, yet we couldn't find that goal that would give us the three points. I believe that this was definitely a step in the right direction.”
Sophomore Kasey Schiavoni (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) led the Knights' offensive charge early in the game, recording two shots in the first five minutes of play. The Knights continued to challenge the Gaels' defense and recorded four more shots before Iona's offense was able to confront DoVale in goal.
In the 32nd minute, Iona tested DoVale with a long shot from the right side for her first save of the game.
With two minutes remaining in the first half, the Gaels capitalized on a throw in deep in their offensive territory. Freshman Alex Chinich won the ball in the six-yard box and shot to the near corner to give Iona a 1-0 lead.
The Knights were awarded a corner kick in the 58th minute. Schiavoni placed the kick to the far side of the goal where freshman Amanda Goulet (Quebec City, Quebec/Shattuck-St. Mary's ) headed the ball across the net. Rochon headed the ball on goal to record her first collegiate points and even the score at one.
FDU finished regulation with shots from Elizabeth Langer (Clinton, N.J./Voorhees) and Rachel Hoekstra (Bowmanville, Ontario/Clarington Central ) but were unable to take the lead and sent the game into overtime.
A run from Lindzy Williams (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood) set Hoekstra up with one minute remaining in the first overtime period. Hoesktra defeated the Iona defense but her shot was stopped by Iona goalkeeper Trista Rivera to hold the game at 1-1.
Hoekstra again challenged the Iona backline in the second overtime period with a run down the left sideline. The Knights' last attack was broken up in the penalty box before time expired.
“So far we've played two games against two strong opponents. Our defense looks tight, midfield balanced and our forwards are one lucky break away from running some numbers up on the scoreboard,” added Masucci. “With the quick turnaround Sunday will be difficult to get through, but there is no way the girls will not be shooting for three points”
The Knights travel to Jersey City, N.J. on Sunday, August 19 to take on Garden State rival Saint Peter's College. Kickoff at Jaroshack Field is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
