FDU Knights Athletics

TEANECK, N.J. – Trailing at the half, FDU (2-2-3) overcame a one-goal deficit to earn a 2-1 win over Hofstra (1-4-1). The magic duo of Marina Burzaco and Candela Espana scored the goals for the Knights, giving FDU the lead in the 86^th minute.
 
"We came out a little slow, and we found a way to get through the half," said head coach Eric Teepe. "We adjusted what we were doing and that allowed us to get pressure high up the field. Once we got the goal, we were off and running."
 
The beginning of the game was heavily dictated by the visitors, who found an early goal through Emma Johnson off a corner just 5:47 into the first half. The Pride continued to dominate the game, enforcing their fast and physical style on the Knights. Hofstra threatened the FDU goal and remained solid at the back, holding the Knights to 0 shots in the first 45 minutes.
 
FDU started the second half looking like a different team, showing great displays of physicality and aggressive pressing. Their hard work was rewarded in the 57^th minute when captain Marina Burzaco found the bottom right corner with an effort that got the Knights back to level.
 
The Pride were held to just 4 shots in the 2^nd half, with FDU's back line holding strong. Eliza Garcia played a crucial role in this solid display, continuing to show how well she has settled into her new role in Burgundy and Blue as a more central defender.
 
Rosemarie Leblanc delivered once again when she was called upon, throwing caution to the wind as she made a point-blank save to deny Hofstra's Maggie Peterson and keep the score tied.
 
FDU found their go-ahead goal with just 3:36 left on the clock from their star freshman, Candela Espana. A great ball in from fellow Spanish freshman Izarbe Grao found Espana in the middle of the box. Espana delicately lifted the ball over the Hofstra goalkeeper, Lilly Bailey, and into the net. This was Grao's second assist of the season and Espana's seccond goal in her young collegiate career.

Espana and Garcia were also eacch crediidted with an assist on Burzaco's goal.
 

What's Next

The Knights will remain at home in Teaneck, N.J., to begin conference play against the Le Moyne Dolphins on Thursday, September 17, 1 p.m.
 
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