Teaneck, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team fell to Sacred Heart, 1-0, in the home opener of the 2012 Northeast Conference season.  The Knights move to 3-5-3 on the year with a 0-2 mark in NEC action, while the Pioneers improve to 6-3 on the season with a 1-0 record in conference.

The only strike of the game came in the 10^th minute when Kristen Verrette placed a corner kick at the far side of the net.  Mikaela Wolf headed the ball into the top corner of the net to give SHU a 1-0 lead.

The Knights continued to confront to Pioneers with calculated runs.  In the 24^th minute Amanda Goulet (Quebec City, Quebec/Shattuck-St. Mary's ) received a corner from Julie Woolridge (St. John's, Newfoundland/Bishops College).  Goulet's attempt was stopped by the SHU goal keeper to hold the Pioneer's advantage.

In the first 45 minutes SHU held the advantage in shots (4-1) and corner kicks (6-3).

The Knights pressured Sacred Heart through the second half and led the shot count 3-2 in the second 45 minutes.  FDU recorded two shots on goal, with attempts from freshmen Carly Tice (Highland Falls, N.Y./James I. O'Neill ) and Rachel Hoekstranand held the Pioneers to two shots with just one on target.

In the final minutes of the game, the Knights challenged the Pioneer defense with a hard push toward the goal.  With just seconds left, senior Julie Woolridge (St. John's, Newfoundland/Bishops College) ripped a shot from outside the penalty box that went just wide.

Overall, the Pioneers led with 10 corner kicks compared to the Knights' three and had six shots, compared to FDU's four.  Both keepers made three saves.

The Knights continue Northeast Conference action when they travel to Emmittsburg, Md. on, Friday, Sept. 28 for an afternoon tilt with Mount St. Mary's.