WASHINGTON, D.C. – FDU women's soccer secured their place in the NEC Championship with a 4-0 victory at Howard on Thursday night.
Ana Salas recorded her second hat trick of the season. The Knights have not suffered a defeat in their last 13 matches.
This marks the 12
th NEC tournament appearance for FDU in 13 seasons.
"When we start any season, we have goals but first you have to find a way into the playoffs," said head coach
Eric Teepe. "I am proud of the team to achieve thhat and get a dominant win tonight. We needed to come back after our last match and we did."
The first half saw both teams exchange quality chances. The Knights outshot Howard 8-3 in the opening 45 minutes, but the Bison placed two shots on goal. Goalkeeper
Rosemarie Leblanc denied Howard's best chance late in the first half with a diving save. FDU targeted five shots on net, but all five were saved.
Nadia Wojcik nearly buried a goal in the final minute but just missed tucking one inside the near post.
FDU maintained pressure early in the second half and were rewarded in the 53
rd minute.
Ana Salas took beautiful long-distance ball from
Candela Espana in stride. Salas volleyed the ball over Howard's encroaching keeper for her seventh goal of the season.
Just over ten minutes later, Salas returned the favor. The senior was spung past the Bison defense with an efficient buildup from FDU's midfield. Salas played a ball across the box that was finished by Espana. Espana now sits at 13 points in her freshman campaign.
Howard received a red card in the 80
th minute and were forced to play with ten players in the final ten minutes. Salas took full advantage.
Izarbe Grao found a wide-open Salas with a long-range service and Salas deflected it into the net for her second goal of the night. Two minutes later, Salas beat the Howard goalkeeper again to complete the hat trick. Grao was credited with the assist, again.
Salas finished the game with six points. She became the all-time FDU assist leader with her 24
th helper of her career. She leads the team with 24 points.
FDU has outscored their NEC opponents 30-2 throughout conference play.
FDU will enjoy some time off before returning to action on November 1 against LIU in Teaneck for the Knights' Senior Day.
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