MADISON, N.J. (September 2, 2017) - Despite playing a man down for the final 26:42, the FDU women's soccer team knocked off NJCU 3-1 in the season opener Saturday.

The Devils had several chances to score in the opening few minutes, but sophomore Lindsey Scarmozzino and freshman Amanda Croce had opportunities denied by the goalkeeper. Freshman Ashley Paulino made a key save on the Gothic Knights dangerous sophomore Mallensey Vargas in the 17th minute to keep the 0-0 score.

After Danielle Matos rang a shot off the post, Croce was there to deposit the rebound for her first career goal in her debut. Nine minutes later, freshman Nathalia Gallo had a shot hit the fingertips of the goalie, but classmate Madeline Finnegan was there for the easy tap-in to double the lead.

Neither side could do much damage for a good portion of the second period, but the Gothic Knights sliced the lead in half at the 63:18 mark. Paulino recevied a questionable red card for a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and Vargas converted the ensuing free-kick.

With the visitors pressing, freshman Tatiana Nieto intercepted a clearing pass by the goalie, and blasted an attempt from 25 yards out to extend the lead to 3-1. In the final 26 minutes, Nicolette Roberts was tested once and made a save to preserve the 3-1 victory.

Croce and Nieto led the way with three shots, while Paulino made two saves in 64 minutes.