TEANECK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team earned a 1-0 win in its season opener against Iona on Friday, Aug. 23 at University Stadium.  With the win the Knights improve to 1-0 on the year, while the Gaels fall to 0-1.  The 'w' is the Knights first victory in a season opener since 2005.

"Today was a good start for us," said Head Coach Rick Stainton, who earned his first win with FDU.  "I was impressed with how we dealt with pressure and how we worked out of difficult situations with composure.  We capitalized on one of many opportunities and played as a unit tonight.  We've been working on utilizing our teammates for support and that's what we're proud of tonight."

The Knights opened the game with a strong offensive presence.  In the first 10 minutes, rookie Giselles Perez (Cartaret, N.J./Cartaret) recorded two shots, with one that challenged Iona goal keeper Trista Rivera.

After firing three more shots on Iona, freshman Connie Lewis (Outer Cove, Newfoundland/Gonzaga ) broke through the defense in the 39^th minute.  Lewis beat the final defender and placed a shot in the lower right corner of the net to give the Knights a 1-0 lead.  The tally was Lewis' first collegiate goal.

At the half, the Knights led 1-0 and held a 6-0 advantage in shots.

The Gaels stifled the Knights' attack in the second half, while pressuring the backline with an offensive surge.  Iona added three shots, including one that tested FDU keeper Sage DoVale (Lilburn, Ga./Collins Hill), but was unable to score.

After 90 minutes the Knights maintained the 1-0 lead to earn the win.

Overall, the Knights held a 6-4 shot advantage with 4-1 lead in shots on target. 

The Knights will travel to Stony Brook to take on the Seawolves on Sunday.  Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.