Box Score ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Two second half goals put FDU within striking distance, but the Knights were unable to find the equalizer in a 3-2 loss at Navy on Saturday night.
 
In front of their home crowd at Glenn Warner Soccer Facility, the Midshipmen seized control of this non-conference matchup early in the game. An own goal in the third minute put Navy ahead 1-0, and they struck again just over two minutes later.
 
Eric Teepe's squad settled in after falling behind, controlling a lot of the possession for the remainder of the first half. The Knights outshot Navy 9-3 and generated eight corners in the first 45 minutes but could not capitalize on these chances to close the gap.
 
Despite taking on water, the Navy backline did their part in blocking many of these FDU shot attempts.  
 
In the 37^th minute, the Midshipmen spurred a counterattack and increased their lead to 3-0 before the halftime break.
 
The Burgundy and Blue began to flip the script in the game's second stanza. In the 49^th minute an intentional and determined FDU attack generated a free kick in the attacking third. Laura Martinez curled a dangerous ball into the box that was headed out of the air and into the net by freshman Elena Cvetkovic. This goal, Cvetkovic's first as Knight, made the score 3-1.
 
Just like Navy in the first half, FDU wasted no time adding their second goal. In the 54^th minute, the Knights persistence earned them an extended possession near the sideline. Katia Cárdaba serviced a pass into the 18' that was knocked past the Navy goalkeeper by one of her own defenders. FDU trailed 3-2 with the bulk of the second half remaining.
 
"The fact of the matter is we put ourselves in too much of a hole," said Teepe. "The positive is we definitely came back, and fought, and battled. We just need to learn from that."
 
One of the factors in FDU's improved second half performance was Andrea Ougaard, who logged 36 minutes in her season debut tonight. The 2023 All-NEC selection made an immediate impact in a reserve role.
 
"We put her in for six or seven minutes in the first half, and that was our best of the first half," commented Teepe on Ougaard's return. "Then the first 15 minutes she played in the second half was obviously our best part of the second half."
 
After the game tightened up, FDU's chances became scarcer. Navy sealed their defense up and held on for a 3-2 victory.
 
With tonight's result, the Knights fall to 0-2-1.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
 
FDU will continue their road trip next Thursday, August 29, at Providence. The game is set for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Fans can watch the match on FloFC