PITTSBURGH, PA.- The Knights (0-7) faced Duquesne (3-4) today at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. FDU had to battle the elements and Duquesne as the game was delayed for an hour due to lightning in the area.
1st Half
FDU was able to record their first two shots in the 17' when sophomore Andrea Ougaard had her shot blocked which was followed up by senior Leighann Kafel who took a shot from distance. Kafel's shot was not much of a test for the Duquesne keeper who comfortably got behind the shot and caught it leaving no chance for a follow-up shot.
30' into play the referee had to stop the match due to lighting in the area. The lightning delay lasted for an hour.
Duquesne took the lead in the 33' through Brianna Moore. Moore looked like she was going to cross the ball from the right side of the box but ended up taking a shot which was perfectly placed over keeper Marie Jakobsen leaving her no chance.
In the 35' junior Kiomy Luperon had an opportunity to find the back of the net but rolled the ball just wide.
2nd Half
The Knights came out in the second half and played with intensity and passion. Within three minutes of the whistle FDU was able to attempt a shot and put pressure on the Duquesne backline.
FDU had their best chance in the 60' when freshman Ana Salas and Luperon connected on a give and go to breakthrough the midfield and find freshman Katia Cardaba at the top of the box. Cardaba found herself in a good shooting position and let on rip with her left foot but could not find the target.
The Knights kept the pressure on the Duquesne backline and had another great opportunity just a minute later in the 61' as they were awarded a freekick. Freshman Laura Martinez opted to play it quick and found Salas in a ton of space in the left side of the box. Salas took a great touch and fired the ball toward the Duquesne net but ended up hitting it over the bar.
The second stoppage of play came in the 62' right when FDU was finding their rhythm on the field. The lights on the field went out and both teams had to regroup during the stoppage.
Freshman keeper Marie Jakobsen had another standout performance making six saves with the biggest one coming in the 72'. Duquesne found themselves on a counterattack which Marie was able to stop by coming off her line and smothering the ball at the top of her 18-yard box.
The Knights' final chance came in the 85' when they were awarded a free kick. Martinez took the spot kick and sent a great ball into the Duquesne box that was only missing the final touch. The ball ended up fizzing by everyone on both teams leaving the Knights empty handed in the match.
"I felt like we were the better team today and controlled the match except for when Duquesne scored right after the lightning delay. We came out of the delay slow and were not ready to play, which is something we are upset about. Other than that moment, I thought we created many chances and put lots of pressure on the Duquesne backline, but we just couldn't find the back of the net." Teepe continued "We must trust the process and be proud of the way we played today. We played with urgency and determination and if we continue to play the way we did today, the results will come."
FDU returns to action Sunday as the Knights head into New York City to face Columbia (3-1-1). Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m.
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