TEANECK, N.J. – FDU (3-5-3, 3-0) came out victorious over Stonehill (2-6-2, 2-1) by a score of 3-2 on Thursday, in a battle between the top two teams on the NEC table. The Knights have earned the maximum nine points through three matches of their league campaign.

"It is always about just getting a win." said head coach Eric Teepe. "We knew in this game we were going to get tested and we were."

Two-time NEC Player of the Week Marina Burzaco delivered the match's first goal. Courtesy of a pass from Andrea Ougaard, Burzaco found herself all alone in the front of the net. She converted the chance and gave FDU a 1-0 lead. Ougaard was credited with an assist.

Burzaco is now up to five goals this season as she extends her point streak to five matches. She has recorded 14 of her NEC leading 15 points on the year in this span. She has recorded goals in three of FDU's last four matches.

Despite an early chance from Stonehill, FDU controlled the first half. They outshot their opponent 12-2 in the first 45 minutes and that 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Knights found their insurance goal right after halftime ended in the 50^th minute. Ana Salas headed a ball that was possessed by Ougaard inside the box. The senior captain moved in towards goal and unloaded a shot that found twine. It marked her second goal of the year and extended FDU's lead to 2-0. Ana Salas was credited with the assist.

Ana Salas seemingly put the exclamation point on this match with an incredible goal in the 58^th minute. The junior Spaniard deflected a clearance attempt from Stonehill and gained possession of the ball from well outside the box. Salas took a touch and beautifully struck a shot that sailed into the back of the net. She has now scored in back-to-back matches.

Stonehill did their best to make a comeback attempt. They earned a penalty shot in the 75^th minute that was converted by Annie Renz. Less than ten minutes later, Hannah Anselmo scored a goal that cut the FDU lead to 3-2.

These goals were not enough as FDU held on for their third straight win on home turf.

"We played well. Even towards the end we were getting corner kicks and set pieces, which was good because it drained the clock down," added Teepe.

The Knights have outscored their opponents 13-4 in NEC play. Through the first three matches, FDU is the only team in the conference to be 3-0.
 

What's Next

The Knights return to action this Sunday, September 28, at Le Moyne. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 4 p.m. and will be aired on NEC Front Row. Read Full Article