TEANECK, N.J. – FDU men's soccer (0-0-1, 0-0) drew their first match of the 2025 season against Albany (0-0-1, 0-0) by a score of 1-1 on Thursday night.
The Knights hosted the visiting Great Danes on a brisk evening at University Stadium, as the burgundy and blue began their second season under head coach Jaymee Highcock.
The two teams played a physical and defensive brand of soccer throughout the first 45 minutes. Both sides combined for eight shots in the first half, with the Knights accounting for five. FDU goalkeeper Matheus Franca flashed some skills for the Knights through the first half of play. Franca recorded two saves in the first half–and four saves on the night in total–in what was his first career collegiate start.
Following halftime, the Knights finally broke the scoreless tie, and got on the board for the first time in 2025. In the 63rd minute, sophomore Luke Ayaz made a skillful tackle at midfield to win possession for the Knights. On the ensuing fast break, Matt Giraldo was able to send the ball back to Ayaz over the middle, who buried a goal to give FDU a 1-0 lead. Ayaz' goal was the first of his collegiate career.
The Great Danes quickly fought back, equalizing the match in the 70th minute, when Rodrigo Hermelo was able to put a ball past Franca in net. The two sides would grapple for the game-winner across the final twenty minutes, but neither squad was able to find the necessary chance to break the tie.
Albany wound up out-shooting FDU ten shots to eight, and recorded six corner kicks to FDU's zero.
The Knights will be back in action on Sunday, August 24, when they host NJIT at University Stadium for a second straight clash with an America East opponent. Kickoff will be at 12:00 p.m, with coverage available on NEC Front Row.
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Presto's Pizza is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 FDU men's soccer season
