Box Score

Postgame Interview | Arathoon Goal | Rochon Goal | Lewis Goal

TEANECK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team is one win away from a Northeast Conference championship after defeating last year's winners, Saint Francis University, 3-1, in the first semifinal on Friday. With the victory, the Knights improve to 14-4-1 on the season, while the Red Flash finish at 3-12-5.

"I felt Saint Francis came into the game with much more energy than [Sunday] and that didn't allow us to freely attack." Head Coach Eric Teepe said, "Our first goal was big and I think it settled us down. Our work on set pieces helped us put the game away. We will need to play much better on Sunday, but getting there was what today was all about."
 
It took 42 minutes until junior co-captain Katey Arathoon provided the breakthrough with a volleyed cross from 30 yards out that caromed in off the right post for the match's first goal. It was Arathoon's third goal of the season and second in two straight contests, both against Saint Francis U.
 
The hosts enjoyed the majority of chances over the opening 25 minutes of the second half until Esther Rochon converted Kasey Schiavoni's corner kick from six yards out for the eventual match winner. Like Arathoon, the junior midfielder also scored on Sunday in the regular-season finale.
 
Less than four minutes later, the Red Flash was awarded a penalty kick for a foul by junior defender Kayla Adams in the box. Senior Mackenzie Walter stepped up and converted to cut the deficit to one.
 
A tense 15 minutes followed until sophomore Connie Lewis tapped home Carly Tice's shot that hit the crossbar in the 87th minute to ascend to second all-time in a single season with 21 points.
 
FDU finished the contest outshooting the visitors, 19-3, with seven coming on target. Saint Francis U freshman goalkeeper Romina Kunze made four saves.
 
The Knights will now host the winner of Central Connecticut and Wagner on Sunday, Nov. 9, in the NEC Championship match. Kickoff from University Stadium is set for 12 p.m. with a live video broadcast on NEC Front Row beginning shortly before.