TEANECK, N.J. -  As sure as the rain came down at University Stadium on Sunday afternoon, so did the goals come in the match between FDU and Wagner. The Knights were able to outlast the Seahawks by a score of 3-2. With the win, FDU improves to 3-1 in NEC play.
 
This was the first meeting between the two programs since Wagner knocked FDU out of last year's NEC tournament. With a little bit of vengeance today, the Knights have now beaten Wagner in 10 of their last 11 matchups.
 
The Knights were the dominant possessors of the ball in the first half. They outshot Wagner 5-1. However, the visitors were able to spring a counterattack that provided a golden scoring opportunity in the 19'. Fortunately, freshman goalkeeper Rosemarie Leblanc made a huge save to keep the game scoreless.
 
In the 43', Laura Martinez collected a loose ball right outside the box. The sophomore connected on a sweet strike that went top-shelf and gave FDU 1-0 lead heading into halftime. It is the first goal of Martinez' campaign.
 
"I thought we played a fantastic first half," said head coach Eric Teepe "I felt we did a good job of pressing, moving the ball quickly, and took chances."
 
Wagner ramped up their aggressiveness in the second half. They were rewarded with an equalizing goal in the 61'.
 
For the first time this season, FDU responded with the next goal after allowing a team to pull level. Kiomy Luperon, who played 53 strong minutes off the bench, drew a foul in the box that set up a penalty shot for FDU in the 69'. Ana Salas buried the impending chance for her second goal of the year and put the Knights in front 2-1.
 
Luperon continued to put pressure on Wagner's defense and quickly spurred another scoring opportunity. This time she finished the job with her first goal of the season to give FDU an insurance goal exactly two minutes after taking the lead.
 
"We know how good Kiomy is, but she just has not been able to get the result," remarked Teepe on his key reserve. "If this builds her confidence, then that is going to be great for us."
 
Wagner did find a goal in the 87' to pull within one but were unable to equalize before the final buzzer sounded.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
 
FDU will take on Mercyhurst this Thursday at home at 4 p.m. This is the first meeting between the Knights and the conference newcomer. Fans can catch the game on NEC Front Row. Read Full Article