NEW YORK, N.Y.- The FDU (0-8) women's soccer team faced the Columbia Lions (4-1-1) in New York City today. The Lions showcased their class on the field as they secured an impressive eight-goal victory against the Knights.
1st Half
The game kicked off with Columbia earning a corner in the 1st minute, presenting an early opportunity to take the lead. However, senior Leighann Kafel's clearance off the line kept the score level.
In the 12th minute, Columbia had another chance to break the deadlock. A perfectly executed cross from the right side of the box to the back post nearly resulted in a goal but ended up just wide of the net.
It was the 18th minute when the Lions took the lead. Kat Jordan found herself with the ball in open space and maneuvered past the FDU back-line with a step-over and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
The Knights found themselves trailing by two goals in the 28th minute. The Lions won a free-kick just outside the box, which was floated in and connected with the head of Sam Kone who scored with powerful header into the back of the net.
Only a minute later, in the 29th minute, Ania Prussak extended the Lions' lead to three goals. Prussak perfectly timed her run into the Knights' box, receiving the ball near the penalty spot, and slotting it home with a first-time finish.
Claire Pinne further added to Columbia's lead in the 32nd minute with a superb finish using her left foot.
The Lions continued to dominate, widening the gap to five goals in the 42nd minute through Maia Tabion.
FDU's Erica Petrie had her team's first shot on target in the 43rd minute from distance which failed to truly test the Lions' goalkeeper.
2nd Half
Ania Prussak completed her brace in the 52nd minute, giving the Lions a commanding six-goal lead from a corner. Her header found the back of the net, leaving the Knights' goalkeeper with no chance.
In the 55th minute, sophomore Andrea Ougaard unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from distance, hitting the inside part of the post which was unlucky to not go in.
Columbia kept the pressure on, adding another goal in the 56th minute to secure a seven-goal advantage.
Maia Tabion completed her brace in the 65th minute, sealing an eight-goal victory for the Lions.
For me it's difficult to understand how we can come out and play as good as we did in the first 25' then give up a goal and fall to pieces." Stated Coach Teepe after the loss, "We can't lose confidence in ourselves because we played well in the beginning of the game but lost composure later on. If we can stay composed throughout matches even when things don't go our way, we can compete with any team."
The Knight's next scheduled match is slatted for (9/21) at 7 p.m. against Sacred Heart (1-4-2). This will mark the start of NEC play for FDU who will look to turnaround their recent fortunes.
Connect with FDU women's soccer on Twitter and Instagram, @FDUKnightsWSOC.
