TEANECK, N.J.- In a captivating finale to their NEC regular season, the FDU Knights (8-10, 8-2) squared off against Delaware State (0-15-1, 0-9) in their last regular season home game. The Knights celebrated Senior Night, paying tribute to their graduating players and secured a commanding victory by a score of 3-0.
1st Half
The FDU Knights wasted no time asserting their dominance as they recorded five shots within the opening 15' of the game.
Throughout the first half FDU continued their relentless offensive onslaught, registering a total of 19 shots 7 of which were on target. Despite their continuous efforts the Knights unfortunately couldn't convert these opportunities into goals, leaving the scoreboard untouched.
2nd Half
The Knights carried their relentless offensive momentum into the second half, demonstrating their determination to break the deadlock. Their persistence paid off as they found the back of the net multiple times turning their attacking efforts into goals.
The breakthrough came in the 65' through a brilliantly executed corner kick.
Ana Salas received the ball from a cleverly taken short corner and with a deft move, she nutmegged the defender creating space along the touchline. Salas then delivered a pinpoint pass to
Laura Martinez who took one touch then unleashed a powerful shot, placing the ball into the top left corner of the net. The goalkeeper could only watch as the ball sailed past her leaving her rooted to the spot.
Just moments later the Knights bagged their second goal of the match.
Lina Dirnberger showcased her goal-scoring prowess in the 66' winning a loose ball and executing a first-time left-footed shot that found the back of the net. This goal marked her third of the season.
FDU sealed their victory in the 89' through Dominique Liberto. Liberto received a precise pass from Gabriella Gaiten and skillfully maneuvered past two defenders creating a lane to shoot. She expertly slotted the ball into the back of the net using her left foot marking her first goal of her collegiate career.
FDU set a new school record by tallying 43 shots in the match.
"It's good to head into the NEC tournament with a winning streak but tonight we didn't play our best soccer today. We played slow and were naive with our attacking mindset which made the game much more difficult than it had to be." Coach Teepe continued, "We must be happy with how the regular season went but it is unfortunate that we are just one play away from getting a first-round bye and maybe even winning the regular season title. We have allowed teams to have those little opportunities that could easily be avoided. Those are the chances that come back to bite you, that's the reason why we dropped points earlier in the season and why we now must play this weekend, but we are confident that we can learn from the mistakes and perform better this Sunday.
The Knights will host Wagner in the first round of the NEC Tournament this Sunday, 10/29. With a seven-game win streak heading into the tournament the Knights will look to stay hot when it matters most.
