WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team played the University of Hartford to a 1-1 tie after two periods of overtime on Friday, Aug. 24.  The Knights' only goal was scored in the 27^th minute by freshman Rachel Hoekstra (Bowmanville, Ontario/Clarington Central ) on an assist from classmate Amanda Goulet (Quebec City, Quebec/Shattuck-St. Mary's ).  With the tie the Knights move to 0-1-2, while the Hawks start the season 0-0-1.

The Knights challenged the Hawks with eight shots through 110 minutes, while Hartford recorded 15.  Junior goal keeper Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) made six saves for FDU.

The Knights recorded two shots in the first seven minutes with attempts from Elizabeth Langer (Clinton, N.J./Voorhees) and Amanda Goulet (Quebec City, Quebec/Shattuck-St. Mary's ).  Although the Hawks began several attacks toward the goal, the FDU backline stopped each attempt before a shot was recorded in the first 25 minutes.

In the 27^th minute, Goulet sent a long ball from the right side over the Hawk defense to Hoekstra.  Hoekstra took several touches as she entered the penalty box and sent a shot past Hawk keeper, Erin Quinlan, to give the Knights their first lead of the 2012 season.  It was Hoekstra's first collegiate goal, and Goulet's second assist on the season.

The Knights outshot Hartford, 3-1 in the first 40 minutes of play before Hartford challenged DoVale in the closing minutes of the half. 

A shot by Elise Galpio went wide in the 43^rd minute before Chanel Johnson fired a shot from six yards out that was blocked by the backline.  Galipo recovered the blocked shot and placed a shot to the lower left corner of the net, tying the game at one with 30 seconds remaining in the first half.

At the break, the Knights and Hawks were even with three shots each. 

The teams battled for possession in the midfield during the second half, each creating offense opportunities but unable to take the lead.  On three occasions, Kasey Schiavoni (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) sent long passes through the middle to Hoekstra, creating the best scoring opportunities the Knights saw in the second half.  Each time the play was broken up in the box to deter the Knights from taking the lead.

After 90 minutes of play, the teams were still locked at one goal each.

The Knights held the Hawks to four shots, with just one on target in two periods of overtime.  In the 104^th minute, Hoekstra took a long pass from Schiavoni and dribbled toward the goal.  She took on two defenders before being tripped up in the box. 

FDU continued to challenge in the final minutes but was stopped by the Hartford defense on each attempt.  After 110 minutes the score remained 1-1.

The tie was the first time the Knights were not defeated by Hartford in the programs' 12-year history.  In previous meetings the team was 0-4-0 against the team picked to finish second in the America East this season.

“Today was not about playing a beautiful game, but about measuring ourselves against a very strong opponent,” said Interim Head Coach Marco Masucci.  “It was our baptism of sorts for our freshman group, going toe-to-toe with a very talented group of upperclassmen.  I am very proud of this team today, but Sunday is a new day and we need to prove ourselves all over again.” 

The Knights host the Falcons of Air Force in their first home game of the season on Sunday, Aug. 26.  Kickoff at University Stadium is scheduled for 12 p.m.