TEANECK, N.J. – FDU men's soccer (1-0-1, 0-0) defeated NJIT (0-2-0, 0-0) by a score of 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. The Knights were carried to victory by an 87th minute goal from David Ivascu. The game-winner was the first career goal for the freshman Ivascu.

The Knights and Highlanders entered the match each seeking their first victory of the 2025 season. The Knights looked to build momentum off of a 1-1 draw against Albany their last time out on 8/21. 

Both squads slowed the pace down for a physical first half, combining for just three shots in the first 45 minutes of play. 

The second half of the match featured a different story. Coming out of the halftime break, the Knights found a spark and began to dominate possession. FDU put up 13 shots in the second half, unloading an offensive barrage on NJIT's back line. Jaime Barbero put three shots on goal in the half, while Matt Giraldo and Julian Ramirez combined for another three. Despite the pressure, the NJIT defense held strong until the final minutes. Highlanders goalkeeper Devin Armstrong made six saves to keep the Knights blanked through the first 87 minutes of action. 

With just under three minutes to go, the Knights put together one last solid run as Matt Giraldo found himself with some space down the left side. After a cross inside, Arnau Rabassa Guillamon made an incredible no-look pass to Ivascu, who was waiting on the left side of the box to send home a strike.

The Knights were helped out on the defensive end of the pitch by goalkeeper Matheus Franca, who posted a clean sheet in just his second collegiate start. Franca made two saves in goal to blank the Highlanders.
 

WHAT'S NEXT

The Knights will be back in action on Saturday, August 30, when they take their first road-trip of the season and head to face Saint Peter's. Kickoff in Jersey City will be at 3:00 p.m.

Connect with the Knights on Instagram and X @FDUKnightsMSOC
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