BROOKVILLE, N.Y.- In an intense clash on the soccer field the FDU Knights (4-10)(4-2) faced off against the LIU Sharks (6-6-1)(2-4) in a nail-biting matchup. FDU and LIU played a tightly contested first half but the knights took control in the second. Katia Cárdaba opened the scoring and
Lina Dirnberger doubled the lead to secure the Knights third consecutive win.
1st Half
The Knights kicked off the game with energy launching their first attack just 3' into the match.
Kiomy Luperon fired a shot on goal, testing the LIU keeper early on but could not find the back of the net.
The intensity persisted with
Leighann Kafel's shot in the 19' demanding a solid save from the LIU keeper.
In the initial 45' LIU attempted three shots but only one found the target, whereas the Knights managed five shots three of which were on goal.
2nd half
The Knights intensified their pressure in the second half, seizing control of the game from the first whistle.
A pivotal moment arrived in the 47' when the LIU keeper faltered at the back.
Lina Dirnberger capitalized on the mistake, playing a swift pass to
Ana Salas near the penalty spot. Salas fired a shot on goal, sparking controversy as it was blocked by a LIU defender's arm, a claim that went unnoticed by the referee. The subsequent corner provided another opportunity.
Nina Carlomusto soared above the defenders, flicking the ball to
Laura Martinez with her head. Martinez's powerful shot narrowly missed the left post, keeping the game on edge.
The breakthrough for the Knights came in the 60'.
Andrea Ougaard delivered a brilliant cross-field pass to Dirnberger on the left wing. Dirnberger skillfully beat her defender and delivered a perfect cross to Càrdaba at the back post. Cardaba seized the opportunity, unleashing a rocket of a first-time finish into the top right corner giving the Knights a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
The Knights continued to put the pressure on while searching for an insurance goal. It arrived in the 75' courtesy of Dirnberger's first collegiate goal. Carlomusto embarked on a powerful run from midfield, taking the ball to the touchline of the LIU goal. She then passed to Càrdaba who instead of going for her second goal, unselfishly found Dirnberger in the box. Dirnberger calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net giving the Knights a two goal advantage and securing the victory.
With this win the Knights extended their winning streak to three matches, achieving an impressive feat of 270 minutes of soccer without conceding a single goal.
"I think our back four is doing a great job of limiting chances and keeping the mistakes to a minimum. Even with us not having the best first half we did a great job of not giving LIU any real opportunities." Coach Teepe continued, "It was great to see Lina score her first goal, she has had a few injuries that have set her back but this week she trained very well and was one of the best players on the pitch today. I was very happy to see her put one in the back of the net."
Their Knights winning run sets the stage for their next challenge as they return home this Thursday, October 12th, to face the Howard Bison (9-3-2)(4-1-1). The team calls on their fans to wear pink, standing in solidarity with those who have battled or are currently battling breast cancer.
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