TEANECK, N.J. -- The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team (7-4-2, 4-1-0 NEC) earned a thrilling three points against Central Connecticut State (7-4-0, 4-2-0 NEC) at home in a 2-1 victory.
How it Happened
- The first half saw both sides engaging in a feeling-out process for much of the first half.
- CCSU would get on the board first in the 33' thanks to an unlucky bounce off an FDU defender.
- The Knights got back level thanks to a sublime finish from Aitana Martínez-Montoya, off a nice feed from Gina Steiner.
- On their first corner kick of the match in the 74', Madelyn Robbins found Christa Waterman free in the box, and she headed home her first goal of the season.
- FDU held their nerve against the attacking pressure of the Blue Devils and were able to keep the scoreline at 2-1 when the fulltime whistle blew.
Inside the Box Score
- Aitana Martínez-Montoya continues her stellar run of form, finding the back of the net for the fifth time in as many games. Additionally, her fifth goal of NEC play puts her on the top of the NEC-only goal-scoring leaderboard. She now sits tied for first in goals scored this season (6) amongst NEC players, and tied for second in points (13).
- The second goal was a link-up between two seniors, each with their own exciting footnotes. Christa Waterman's goal is the first of her season, the fourth of her career, and her first since 10/6/19 (at Sacred Heart). Madelyn Robbins's assist marks the second straight game where she delivered an assist off of a set piece. The assist is her eighth of her career.
- Despite CCSU claiming the statistical edge on shots, 11-4, and corner kicks, 10-2, the Knights made their chances count, scoring on both shots on target.
Coach Teepe's Thoughts
"We knew that this would be a battle. It's a great step forward because we were able to come back in the game, and that's something we haven't done this year yet. So I think it's another little step forward in our progression as a team."
"The thing about Monty lately is that she is suddenly becoming what we knew she would, which is dangerous any time she gets on the ball near and around the goal. The confidence that she just was able to step up and smack the ball into the back of the net just shows that she is really upping her game, and obviously it's the right time. Her game keeps getting better and better."
"Christa is just such a battler. I'm so happy that we have someone like her on our team because she gives us everything that she has; and for her to get rewarded on the set piece is a huge, huge benefit for us, and that's something that we needed to have."
What's Next
The Knights venture back out on the road as they head into Staten Island to take on Wagner. The match will take place on Thursday, October 14, at 7 p.m., and will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.
Stay connected with FDU women's soccer on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWSOC.
