TEANECK, N.J. – FDU closed out the 2024 regular season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Le Moyne on Thursday night. FDU finishes their NEC campaign at 7-2-1 and will now wait to see who they draw in next Thursday's NEC semifinal. Le Moyne finishes conference play at 4-5-1.
The victory completes an unbeaten season at home for FDU. They are 4-0-3 at University Stadium this year.
Assistant Coach
Elma Kolenovic served as the acting head coach for FDU tonight.
Eric Teepe served a one-game suspension for a red card issued in the Knights' last match at Howard.
"Our goal coming into today was to finish the season with a win and that's what we did," remarked Kolenovic. "This is the momentum we want to carry into the semifinal."
The first goal came off a beautiful buildup from Katia Cardaba and
Ana Salas. While the two sophomore Spaniards did the passing, New York's own
Emily Villanueva did the finishing. Villanueva rocketed home a shot for her second goal of the year and the Knights led 1-0 in the 10
th minute.
FDU continued to control possession but could not extend their lead until the second half. In the 66
th minute,
Leighann Kafel crossed a ball in that
Kiomy Luperon buried in the back of the net for the match's second goal. Luperon, who now has three goals on the year, has scored in two straight games.
"She [Luperon] is an offensive threat, and it is coming out," said Kolenovic. "That's what you want from your seniors, and this is the right time for her to build that confidence."
If there was any remaining doubt about it,
Ana Salas sealed the match less than seven minutes later. Her fifth goal of the year, assisted by Dominque Liberto, made the score 3-0.
Salas finishes the regular season with 16 points. In addition to her five goals, she has collected six assists. She leads the team in all three of these departments.
WHAT'S NEXT
The NEC Championship begins with the semifinal round next Thursday. FDU has clinched their spot. Check back for updates on seeding and matchup information.
Presto's is the presenting sponsor of the 2024 FDU women's soccer season
