NEW BRITAIN, CONN. – FDU men's soccer (5-3-2) opened conference play with a 4-0 victory over Central Connecticut State (0-7-1) on Sunday afternoon.
The Knights dominated from the jump, and took a lead in the first twenty minutes of action. In the 18th minute, Jaime Barbero converted on a chance, scoring his first goal of the season to put FDU up 1-0. Barbero's goal ended a massive drought, with his last goal coming on August 24th, 2023.
FDU added to the lead in the closing moments of the first half. In the 37th minute, Alex Ferenac buried his first goal of the season as well, padding the Knight lead.
Throughout the first half, FDU goalkeeper Matheus Franca was a brick wall. Franca made three saves in the first 45 minutes, keeping CCSU off the scoresheet.
Into the second half, FDU continued to dominate. In the 71st minute, the Knights were able to add to the lead further. Nathaniel Anevski sent home a shot, scoring his first collegiate goal to make it 3-0.
In the closing minutes of the game, Eric Dlabal gave things a nice bow. Dlabal scored an 84th minute goal to reach the final 4-0 score. Dlabal has now scored goals in back-to-back games for the Knights.
Franca finished the match with a clean sheet, his third of the season. The junior made four saves in the win.
FDU out-shot CCSU 23 to 12 in the victory.
The Knights will continue conference play by returning home to face New Haven on Thursday, October 2. It will be the first meeting between FDU and the newest member of the NEC and Division I. Kickoff in Teaneck will be at 4 p.m.
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Presto's Pizza is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 FDU men's soccer season
