TEANECK, N.J.- FDU battled through a tumultuous rain in route to a decisive 4-2 victory over Howard on Sunday evening in their NEC opener for 2023. Head coach
Seth Roland stated, "that was a good way to start NEC play, scoring four goals and creating numerous opportunities is encouraging." The win at University Stadium improves the Knights' record to 4-4-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
FDU's leading scorer
Tony Gomez kicked off the scoring for FDU in the 23
rd minute. The play began to build in the midfield and eventually found the foot of
Alec Mowry who connected with
Jonathan Ghobrial right outside the box. Ghobrial found a cutting Eugenio Garcia, who serviced a pass that Gomez was able to finish for his third goal of the season and the ninth of his career. Garcia and Ghobrial were both credited with assists.
While Knights' fans were still celebrating, Howard found an equalizer just 39 seconds later.
In the 30
th minute,
Jayd Hamdaoua began to take over the match. Moments after being taken down by a tackle, Hamdaoua received a pass from Mowry outside the 18'. Hamdaoua then fired a low-roller into the bottom of the net, beating the keeper and giving FDU a 2-1 lead. Mowry was credited with an assist.
As the half as winding down, it seemed like the Knights would hold a 2-1 lead going into the break. A long ball played by FDU resulted in a miscommunication between the Bison goalkeeper and his defenders. Hamdaoua, who ran the down the ball well, netted his second goal of the night into an empty frame to expand the lead to 3-1 with five seconds remaining in the half.
In the 57
th minute, Howard fought back exhibited some resilience and tallied another goal. This cut the FDU lead to 3-2.
FDU wasted no time making sure the Bison would not build on their momentum. In the 58
th minute, they executed a set piece that was initially saved by the Howard goalkeeper. However, Hamdaoua tracked down the rebound and blasted one into the back of the net to complete his hat trick, Roland agreed that, "the performancer from Jayd was exciting". The Knights regained a two-goal advantage at 4-2.
Howard's last chance went wayside when their penalty kick attempt in the 85
th minute hit the post and ricocheted out of trouble.
The Knights totaled 13 shots and put five of them on target.
Spencer King collected five saves.
After the game, Roland made it known that, "the guys did a good job staying focused in a challenging weather environment while playing against an extremely athletic and explosive Howard team that was pretty good in possesion."
What's Next
FDU is back in action next Sunday, October 1
st, on the road at Saint Francis (PA) in a match that kicks at 1 p.m. in Loretto, P.A. Fans can stream the game on NEC Front Row.
