TEANECK, N.J. - FDU Men's Soccer (0-0-1) tied Saint Peter's (0-0-1) in their home opener Friday night at the newly named 'Macron Stadium'.
Friday evening was slated as a continuation of Thursday's originally scheduled match, that was postponed just five minutes in due to inclement weather. Friday provided much clearer skies as Knights fans filled the bleachers for the first contest for the defending NEC Champion Knights.
Saint Peter's and FDU played back and forth in the opening 45 minutes, exchanging some low leverage chances, with the best scoring chance of the half going to the Peacocks, which was turned away by
Matheus Franca. FDU made a push late in the second half, with the Knights' best chance sailing wide off the foot of
Luke Ayaz.
The second half provided more entertaining soccer, as FDU and Saint Peter's both had quality scoring chances, all for them to be turned away by the starting goalkeepers of each side. The Knights controlled the last 10 minutes of play in the match, attempting to cash in on numerous set pieces, but could not find the go-ahead goal in the match.
Saint Peter's outshot the Knights 9-6 in the contest, as
Matheus Franca made four saves, two in each half. Peacocks goalkeeper Sebastian Heredia-Randen made two saves in the match, both in the second half. FDU led the way in corner kicks, as the Knights tallied four in the match, to just the one from Saint Peter's.
The game proved to be a very physical match between the two in-state rivals, as there were 30 total fouls called, 17 from the FDU side, and 13 from Saint Peter's. In addition to the fouls, three yellow cards were handed out by the officials, two to FDU and one to Saint Peter's.
FDU will hit the road for their first contest away from Teaneck in 2026 this coming Monday as the Knights will travel to Philadelphia, Pa. for a match against the La Salle Explorers. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. with the game being streamed on ESPN+.
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