TEANECK, N.J. – The #1 seeded FDU Knights (10-4-4, 6-2-1) came from behind in thrilling fashion to erase a two-goal deficit and defeat Le Moyne (7-6-4, 4-4-1)  3-2, in front of a lively crowd at University Stadium. 
 
In the opening half, the Dolphins took control of the match early and capitalized on a bad FDU possession that resulted in a change of possession thirty yards out from the FDU goal. With a quick pass into the box Le Moyne struck first in the 12' to take a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later the Dolphins struck again with a well executed counter-attack which caused an FDU foul and yellow card right outside the box. Le Moyne was able to bend the free kick around the five-person FDU wall to take the 2-0 lead.
 
Coming out of the half, FDU dominated the possession and continued to press and get back into the match. The breakthrough came in the 65' as graduate student Alex Kryazhev finished a beautiful cross into the box, and just like that FDU gained momentum. Then in the the 79', Kryazhev found the equalizer in the run of play as three FDU players pounced on a poorly played pass from the Le Moyne goalie out the box. Graduate student Eric Dlabal was one-one with the goalkeeper who made the initial save, but Kryazhev was there to take the rebound and slot home the second goal of the night.

The match winning goal belonged to junior Harrison Hew who scored his first collegiate goal in the biggest moment of the season. FDU continued to control possession and earned a corner kick as the clock went under ten minutes remaining. Junior midfielder Takuto Nishide delivered the ball in the box, which Le Moyne could not clear and Hew found it in front of the goal pushing it to the corner and setting off a celebration at University Stadium. 
 
The FDU Knights dominated the second half with just under 70% possession for the final 45'. The Knights out-shot the Dolphins 14-5 with eight shots on goal. 
 
"Another incredible night for this soccer program," said head coach Jaymee Highcock. "We showed great character, heart and quality to come back from 2-0 down at the half. The second half was an amazing experience, and I am so happy for our guys. I want to say a huge thank you to the fans that came tonight, it was an unforgettable evening, and we need you guys on Sunday."

Hew's goal sealed the Knights 15th trip to the NEC Championship, where they last won in 2022. This will be the 7th Championship played on the FDU home soil as the home side will look to earn their 11th NEC title.
 
WHAT'S NEXT

The #1 FDU earns a trip to Northeast Conference Championship match on Sunday, November 17 to face #3 LIU Sharks at University Stadium in Teaneck, N.J. You can stream all the action on ESPN+ and NEC Front Row.  Read Full Article