TEANECK, N.J. – FDU (10-5-4; 5-2-1) fell to LIU (9-4-6; 4-1-3) in front of packed University Stadium 0-0 (5-4 PK) in the Northeast Conference Championship. This was the second straight defeat for FDU to at the hands of the Sharks in the NEC playoffs. The season marked the end of the 2024 campaign, resulting in 10 wins for the second time in the last six years.
The long-standing rivalry between FDU and LIU continued with a hard fought 110 minute battle. The game featured a scoreless 90 minutes that was brought into two 10-minute overtime periods where it remained scoreless and eventually came down to a penalty-kick shootout in a best-of-five situation.
The Knights came out firing and outshot the Sharks 4-2 in the opening half but couldn't capitalize on those attempts. Despite LIU's persistent possession of the ball, they couldn't find the opportunity to shoot on a tough Knights defense.
Coming out of the break, the Knights continued to put their foot on the gas with four more shots in the second half. The Knights defense was impenetrable as the Sharks put up four shots but couldn't find the chance to net any.
The championship final was brought to two overtime periods. The Knights offense didn't record a shot in the cumulative 20-minutes of overtime, but the back line continued their strong efforts to keep LIU away from the goal. As the second period of overtime closed, it came down to a penalty kick shootout. The Knights netted four-of-five penalty kicks, but the Sharks recorded a perfect five-of-five to secure the win over the Knights.
"We were unlucky today," said head coach
Jaymee Highcock. "We executed the game plan well and created enough chances in 110 minutes to win the game. The squad showed up today and we certainly left it all on the field. Penalties can go either way. However, we can take pride in our effort today and the quality we showed. The fans showed up in great numbers again and we want to thank them again for their continued support."
Victor Labite,
Alex Ferenac, and
Spencer King were all named to the NEC All-Tournament team at the conclusion of today's contest.
When asked about the season Coach Highcock recounted, "We can be really proud of what we accomplished this fall. We finished as the #1 seed in regular season, hosted and lost on penalties in the NEC championship, won 10 games and beat some really difficult Division I programs. We overcame some tough results in the middle of the season and then regrouped and started winning games at the business end of the season. We created a culture and identity that we can all be proud of and style of soccer that was fun to watch. We will miss our seniors and I want to thank them for everything they have given to this program. I would also like to say huge 'thank you' to the fans, parents, administrators, support staff, and men's soccer coaching staff. We could not have had such a positive season without them. We will reflect, grow and be ready to compete for trophies in Fall 2025. GO KNIGHTS!"
