TEANECK, N.J. – The Fairleigh Dickinson women's soccer team (3-3-2) open the NEC campaign against Saint Francis U (Pa.) (2-5-0) in University Stadium. The match will take place on Sunday, September 19, at 12 p.m., and will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.
Game Info
FDU (3-2-2) vs. Saint Francis U (2-5-0)
Sunday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m. -- University Stadium in Teaneck, New Jersey
Coverage: NEC Front Row | Live Stats
In-Game Updates: @FDUKnightsWSOC
All-Time Series
Series tied 10-10-4
Streak...W1
First Meeting...9/22/00 (Saint Francis U 5, FDU 0)
Last Meeting...10/11/19 (FDU 2, Saint Francis U 1)
Scouting the Red Flash
Saint Francis U enter NEC play with a 2-5-0 record, with several highs and lows over the course of the non-conference season. The Red Flash suffered heavy defeats to ACC foes Clemson, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, but also showcased their attacking firepower with three goals scored in their two victories over Akron and Robert Morris. Their most recent match was a tight 1-0 defeat to La Salle in which they conceded early in the first half and simply could not get that goal back. They are led by points and goals leader Rita Kendziora, a freshman with a pair of goals. Saint Francis U were picked to finish fifth in the NEC and received a first-place vote in the preseason poll.
Scouting the Knights
FDU enters NEC play with a 3-3-2 record, which includes plenty of soccer played. The four double-overtime matches in the first seven games of the season is unmatched in program history, and the Knights remain undefeated in overtime with two wins and two draws, including a thrilling signature victory over Seton Hall at University Stadium. The successes of the season have been a team effort thus far, with several players also earning individual honors. Freshman goalkeeper Malene Nielsen is the reigning NEC Defensive Player and Rookie of the Week, both of which being awards she has now won multiple times in a row. The attack has been paced by Aitana Martínez-Montoya, who, in addition to the game-winner against Seton Hall, leads the Knights with 22 shots and 11 on target. Senior, and a member of last year's All-NEC First Team, Madelyn Robbins has continued her stellar play with a goal and six shots on target, while providing vital leadership for the side. The team collectively has four shutouts, all of which came in matches extending into double overtime.
Coach Teepe's Thoughts
"We're excited about the opportunity to start NEC play facing an opponent the caliber of Saint Francis U, who have fought us hard for the past 7-8 years in being the top half of the conference. We hope we're ready to go after the non-conference schedule we've played, but we know they've played tough competition as well so we expect their game speed to be up, as well."
What's Next
The Knights continue their NEC season against Mount St. Mary's on Thursday, September 23, at 5 p.m., at University Stadium.
