TEANECK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team (9-5-3, 6-2-1 NEC) close out the regular season campaign with a Senior Day on Halloween, as the Howard Bison (6-5-2, 5-3-1 NEC) venture to FDU for the first time as members of the NEC.
Game Info
FDU (9-5-3, 6-2-1 NEC) vs. Howard (6-5-2, 5-3-1 NEC)
Sunday, October 31 at 12:00 p.m. -- University Stadium in Teaneck, New Jersey
Coverage: NEC Front Row | Live Stats
In-Game Updates: @FDUKnightsWSOC
All-Time Series
Howard leads 1-0-0
Streak...L1
Lone Meeting...10/29/00 (Howard 3, FDU 0)
Scouting the Bison
Howard has made a strong statement in their first season competing in the NEC, and they have put themselves in the position to try and push for a spot in the postseason. The Bison stand on 16 points following back-to-back wins over Saint Francis U (Pa.) and Mount St. Mary's, with a record exactly the same as Sacred Heart in what is a battle coming down to the last day of the season for the fourth and final postseason spot. Howard is led in attack by freshman Melea Earley, whose seven goals and 16 points are both good for third-most in the NEC in each category. Earley also leads the conference in goals and points per game, with 0.54 and 1.23, respectively. In net, Alayah Hightower sits in a tie for second in the conference in save percentage (81.6%) with FDU's Malene Nielsen, and fourth in goals against average (1.12).
Scouting the Knights
The 2-1 double-overtime thriller over Mount St. Mary's secured FDU's spot in the NEC Tournament for this fall campaign. Naemi Hausen logged her third game-winning goal of the season, and her second double-overtime winner (the first coming against on 9/9/21 vs. Stony Brook). The Knights became the second team to secure a spot, and still have the opportunity to win the NEC Championship and serve as the host for the tournament. The Knights remain led in scoring by Aitana Martínez-Montoya, whose eight goals are the most in the NEC this season, and her 17 points are good for second in the conference. Madelyn Robbins and Gina Steiner have both been climbing up the NEC statistical leaderboard as well, as their four assists each are good for sixth-most in the conference. FDU will also be honoring the seniors of the program, including Robbins, Steiner along with Isabelle Udovc, Christa Waterman, Lea Egner, Pauliina Talaslahti, Noam Kedem, and Paula Ruess.
Coach Teepe's Thoughts
"After finally clinching a play off spot we now face a team fighting to get in. We know all possibilities are in play for us so we will have to try and finish the season strong and finish in the top part of the NEC."
What's Next
The Knights have punched their ticket into the NEC Tournament, and they will be guaranteed at least one more match this season. The NEC Tournament Semifinals will take place on November 5 at a time and location to be determined.
