FAIRFIELD, CONN. – The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team (5-4-2, 2-1-0 NEC) continue their conference slate with their third road trip in as many consecutive matches as they square off against Sacred Heart (4-5-1, 2-2-0 NEC).
Game Info
FDU (5-4-2, 2-1-0 NEC) at Sacred Heart (4-5-1, 2-2-0 NEC)
Thursday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. -- Park Ave Field in Fairfield, Connecticut
Coverage: NEC Front Row | Live Stats
In-Game Updates: @FDUKnightsWSOC
All-Time Series
FDU leads 11-8-3
Streak...W2
First Meeting...10/1/00 (FDU 0, Sacred Heart 0)
Last Meeting...3/2/21 (FDU 1, Sacred Heart 0)
Scouting the Pioneers
Sacred Heart enter this showdown with the Knights with alternating wins and losses in conference play. The Pioneers were able to beat St. Francis Brooklyn at home and Wagner on the road, but would ultimately falter in two tough road tests against Mount St. Mary's and, in their most recent match, Central Connecticut State. Sacred Heart are led by freshman Grace O'Hara who is tied for the conference lead in points with 13, coming off of five goals and three assists. Aiding in the workload of the attack is junior Desiree Crawford, who has notched three goals and two assists for eight points, good for second on the team behind O'Hara in all three metrics.
Scouting the Knights
The Knights are coming off a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Merrimack, their first double-overtime loss in five matches played this season, but still hold a 2-1-0 record in NEC play thus far this season. Aitana Martínez-Montoya put the Knights on the board against the Warriors with her team-leading third goal this season. The freshman forward has two goals and an assist in her last three games, and currently sits second in the NEC in shots with 34. Also shining as of late is junior Naemi Hausen, who has a goal or assist in four of her last five matches. Defensively, Malene Nielsen remains the NEC's leader in shutouts with six this season to go along with a goals against average of 1.26 and 54 saves made. Nielsen, in the wake of a month that saw her earn six weekly NEC awards, earned Knight of the Month honors for her stellar performance as the last line of defense for the Knights.
Coach Teepe's Thoughts
"After our tough loss last week, we have to get back to playing our game as we open a two-game set versus the top teams in the NEC. Sacred Heart is fast and explosive, and we have to be ready for them right from the start. Hopefully, as we get two players back, and we get closer to a full roster, we can find our winning ways again. We know how tough this trip will be, but we are ready for the challenge."
What's Next
The Knights return home for a showdown with preseason conference favorites and reigning NEC Champions Central Connecticut State. The match will take place on Sunday, October 10, at 5 p.m., and will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.
