FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Fairleigh Dickinson men's soccer (1-2-0, 1-0-0 NEC) team defeated Sacred Heart in the 2020-21 Northeast Conference opener 1-0 on Monday.

The Knights and Pioneers battled to a draw that lasted for 89 minutes of play before freshman Hugo Bacharach scored off a corner kick to give the Burgundy and Blue their first goal scored of the season and with that, their first victory in this unique campaign. Bacharach's strike was assisted by senior Rocky Garretson in the late-game score.

In searching for that coveted first goal of the season, FDU doubled Sacred Heart's shots-on-goal total with the Knights combining for four attempts - including the game-winner - on 11 shots total.

The Knights' goalkeepers, sophomore Isac Hjerten and freshman Spencer King each played 45 minutes and recorded one save apiece.

On the attack, junior Noah Chia played all 90 minutes and logged two shot attempts.

Head Coach Seth Roland said, "Definitely a nice way to start NEC play.  We executed the game-winning attacking corner kick very well. Hugo's powerful header from Rocky's service was a dramatic ending to the game."

"Sacred Heart is an outstanding possession team and put us under a great deal of pressure. We defended well as a group and competed in a focused and disciplined manner. I'm happy for the guys that we came away with the win and three points as we put in a gutsy and tenacious performance."

The Knights return to NEC play for their home opener on Monday, March 8, against Bryant in Teaneck at University Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM live on NEC Front Row.