FAIRFIELD, C.T.- The rainy Connecticut skies did not stop FDU from kicking off their 2023 campaign with a 3-1 victory on the road at Fairfield. The reigning NEC double-champions begin their season in the green as they move to 1-0 overall.

Seth Roland saw the 2023 iteration of his squad get out on the front-foot in the first half. The Knights dictated the terms of possession and outshot their opponent 6-3 in the first 45 minutes of play. This pressure culminated in senior Eric Dlabal finding the back of the net in the 31^st minute. The first FDU-goal of the season was the third of Dlabal's career and his first since 2021. Senior Tony Gomez was credited with the assist.

Fairfield was able to recover from the early deficit shortly after the halftime break. In the 48^th minute Joseph Stocchetti equalized things on a pass from Raz Amir. It would be the only time Fairfield beat graduate student Spencer King on the night. King finished the game with one save.

After a period of even play between the two sides, FDU was able to regain momentum. Sophomore Jaime Barbero, who played the role of hero in the 2022 NEC championship game, found himself in the same role tonight. He netted a goal off a set-piece that put the Knights back in front 2-1. This goal came in the 79^th minute and was the sixth goal of his career.

Senior Eugenio Garcia cemented the victory just seven minutes later when he chipped a ball over heavy traffic into an empty net for the first goal of his career.

In the end, the Knights outshot Fairfield 11-7 in the win.

The Knights begin their home schedule on Monday against Hofstra at 7pm in Teaneck, N.J. The Knights' search for their second-consecutive win can be seen live on NEC Front Row. In the meantime, fans can follow the Knights on social media @FDUKNIGHTSMSOC for all FDU men's soccer news.
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