The Fairleigh Dickinson men’s soccer team opened up Northeast Conference play in dramatic fashion as they defeated St. Francis (NY), 2-1, in double-overtime Friday night at University Field in Teaneck.  Sophomore Dominic Reinold found the back of the net off of a 35 yard free kick to give the Knights the victory.  The Knights have now won four-straight to improve their record to 5-3-0 (1-0 NEC).  St. Francis (NY) falls to 2-4-2 on the season.

Both teams came out very physical in the first half of action as each side was trying to establish themselves with each having opportunities to punch the ball into the back of the net during the first 45 minutes.  However, neither side was able to score and went into halftime deadlocked, 0-0.  The Knights outshot the Terriers, 6-4, in the first half.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Reinold booted a free kick from 35 yards out on the right side into the box.  Freshman Karlis Putans was able to get his head on the ball from the perfectly placed kick and found the back of the net for his first collegiate goal to give the Knights a 1-0 lead.

However, in the 61st minute of action, St. Francis (NY) responded and tied the game at one as Klement Gjushi scored from six yards out.

With two minutes to go in the game, the Terriers had an opportunity to take the lead, but their shot in front of the goal sailed high, allowing the Knights to survive for overtime play.

In the first overtime, each team failed to score over the 10 minutes of play, setting up the exciting finish in the final overtime period.

With around 3:00 minutes to go, Reinold drew a foul to setup the game-winning free kick.  He then booted the ball and sailed it past the goalie with 2:42 remaining on the clock to the give the Knights the dramatic victory.

The match was very physical as five yellow cards were issued.  St. Francis received four, while the Knights received one.

The Knights outshot the Terriers, 16-13, and each team had six shots on goal.  Freshman Jacob Lissek made six saves for the Knights, and Curtis Julien also made six saves for the Terriers.

“This was a typical, high-intensity, NEC battle,” said Head Coach Seth Roland.  “St. Francis (NY) is a very well-coached team who is well-organized defensively and dangerous in attack.”

“We gutted out the win, and big-time players can find ways to win game the way Dominic did tonight with his 35 yard free kick into the upper 90.”

The Knights return to action on Sunday, Oct. 3, as the host Long Island at University Field in Teaneck.  Kick-off is schedule for 1:00 p.m.