LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team fell to Rider University, 2-1, on Sunday, Sept. 2.  After a scoreless first half, the Broncs took the lead early in the second half.  The Knights tied the score in the 84^th minute but were unable to stop Rider from reclaiming the lead in the 87^th minute.

The Knights drop to 1-2-3 on the season, while the Broncs improve to 4-0.

“The team is getting better and better, but the results are not matching what we have deserved,” said Head Coach Marco Masucci.  “We need to do a better job of putting games out of reach when we have the chance.  “We need to be consistent over 90 minutes, every single game.”

After a scoreless first half which favored the Knights in shots, 6-2, with three shots on goal, the Broncs started the second half with strong pressure.

In the 47^th minute the Broncs were awarded their second-consecutive corner kick.  Abi Cottam placed the ball at the top of the penalty box where Jody Sokol shot into the lower left corner to give Rider a 1-0 lead.

The Knights and Broncs battled for attacking opportunities through the second half but the Knights were unable to control anything past the Rider defense.

Rider challenged FDU keeper Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill) in goal on four occasions but the 1-0 lead stayed.

In the 84^th minute freshman Rachel Hoekstra (Bowmanville, Ontario/Clarington Central ) recorded her fourth goal of the season, with the assist coming from senior Julie Woolridge (St. John's, Newfoundland/Bishops College) to tie the game at one.  Woolridge placed a free kick into the six-yard box from the left sideline where Hoekstra headed the ball past Rider goal keeper Jen Nichols.

Just three minutes later Rider was again awarded two consecutive corner kicks.  On the second attack Tara Ballay placed the ball in front of the net where several players tried to take control.  Rider's Claire Thompson finished the attack with a header that went past a diving DoVale and into the net.  The goal gave Rider the advantage, 2-1. 

The Knights pressured in the final minutes of play but were unable to produce a strong enough opportunity and eventually fell, 2-1.

Overall, the Knights and Broncs were deadlocked with 11 shots each.  The Knights recorded seven shots on goal, with Rider taking six.  DoVale recorded four saves for FDU, while Rider held the advantage on corner kicks, 8-2. 

“We are a young team, but we've had more than enough opportunities in each game to have a very positive record,” added Masucci.  “As we near conference play, we must be more efficient and do more to ensure we get the points we deserve.  We will take advantage of the fact that we only have one game this week and train at a higher intensity than usual.” 

The Knights return to action in one week with a home contest against Lafayette.  Kickoff at University Stadium in Teaneck, N.J. is slated for 12 p.m.