WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team gave up two goals in each half against Cleveland State, resulting in a 4-0 defeat in its first game of the Courtyard by Marriott UNCW Soccer Invitational.
 
"First half, there were limited chances for both teams," said head coach Eric Teepe after the match. "They had two and capitalized, and we missed on our two. We have to do better job with those chances of finishing, but instead we're down 2-0. We also later on in the game have to learn how to compete throughout the game, and until we fix that it's going to be a problem for us."
 
The Vikings (3-2) worked to gain the first opportunities at goal and took the lead in the 14th minute by converting a penalty kick opportunity after a foul in the box.
 
Playing from behind, the Knights (1-4) continued to push forward, with sophomore Sofia Albertsson taking a clean shot at goal that was saved in the 22nd minute. Junior Jackson Bennett followed with another chance five minutes later, but Vikings goalkeeper Stevie Holbrook again made the save.
 
Fairleigh Dickinson's best chance, however, came late in the first half when freshman Isabelle Udovc followed up her first shot opportunity with a rebound shot heading for the net. A Cleveland State defender, however, was able to poke the ball away to preserve the score.
 
The Vikings added to their lead shortly after Udovc's offensive burst when Essence Canady scored off an assist from Ja'Maya Ward, making it 2-0 heading into halftime.
 
FDU junior goalkeeper Amanda Fitzgerald saved an early Cleveland State shot on goal to start the second half. Five minutes later, a Vikings shot made its way past Fitzgerald to make it a 3-0 deficit.
 
Cleveland State later increased its lead with another score in the 71st minute.
 
Fitzgerald made three saves in the first 66:47 of play, and sophomore Cassandra Marcoux finished out the game in goal, recording her first two saves of the season.
 
The Knights return to action Sunday when they oppose Kent State in their second match of the UNCW Invitational. That match is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.