TEANECK,N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson men's soccer team earned its first win of the 2016 season on Tuesday night at University Stadium.  The Knights (1-1) dominated the Bison of Howard (0-2) to claim a 4-0 victory.

The Knights struck quickly scoring their first goal of the match – and season – in the seventh minute of the first half.  Junior Casey Abelein (Port Jefferson, N.Y./Earl L. Vandermeulen) headed a crossing pass from freshman Cristian Nunez (Paramus, N.J./St. Benedicts) that senior Enver Caymaz (Pompton Lakes, N.J./Pompton Lakes) buried for the first goal of the game.

Later in the first half, sophomore Javen Palmer (London, England/Sedgehill) scored on a 15-yard strike off a pass from sophomore Patrick Nuss (Fort Worth, Texas/Fossil Ridge).
FDU's 2-0 halftime lead was more than enough as the defense – in addition to continuing the shutout – prevented the Bison from even registering a shot on goal in the second period.

"I thought we played well, I thought we were dangerous in attack," head coach Seth Roland said following the match.  "We were creative, we were pretty sharp and we finished reasonably well.  Defensively we were solid and contained what can be an explosive Howard team."

"I thought everyone put a lot of pressure on them defensively and didn't give (Howard) a lot of time or space.  Everyone defended well, our back four was solid and Seba (Sebastian Ferreira (Kearny, N.J./Kearny)) did a good job in goal as well."

The Knights extended their lead 15 minutes into the second half with sophomore Ahu Obhakhan (Drogheda, Ireland/St. Joseph CBS) knocking in a loose ball after a corner kick by Nuss. Casey Abelein (Port Jefferson, N.Y./Earl L. Vandermeulen) picked up his second assist of the night on Obhakhan's tally.

FDU capped the contest with a goal by Wojciech Piwowarczyk (Garfield, N.J./Garfield) in the 89^th minute.  Sophomore Leo Dalesandro (Queens, N.Y./St. Francis Prep) shot on goal and Piwowarczyk used his body to redirect the rebound into the net.

Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Sebastian Ferreira (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) made on save as he posted his first career shutout.

Ferreira faced just seven shots - only one on goal - as the Knights continuously pushed play into their offensive end.  FDU was awarded six corner kicks and registered 22 shots, including 11 that were on target.

Each player's goal was his first of the season, as were the three assists.  In all, seven different players were credited with a point in the game and 21 Knights saw action.

Caymaz led the offensive attack with five shots and three shots on goal.  Freshman Daniel Lasarte (Madrid, Spain/Defiance (Ohio)) also notched a pair of shots on goal.

The Knights will play twice more this week as they travel to Illinois to play in The Hotels at Grand Prairie Classic hosted by Bradley.  The Knights will face the host on Friday and then play a neutral site match against Evansville on Sunday.

FDU will then return home to play Iona on Saturday, September 10 and Lehigh on Tuesday, September 13.