The Fordham women’s soccer team took home a win on Sunday against the Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Knights. The matchup was the second this season in which the Rams rallied in the last minute to secure a 2-1 win from an initial 1-0 deficit.
Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Knights, the players were familiar with their opponents. Midfielder Lena Johnsen, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’27, recognized the Knights’ strengths despite their 0-5-1 record so far this season.
“Our focus going into the game against FDU was to play more direct and come in playing more aggressive since FDU plays very similarly to us,” Johnsen said. “We knew that despite their record they have some talented players and have been close to winning games.”
“Our focus going into the game against FDU was to play more direct and come in playing more aggressive since FDU plays very similarly to us.” Lena Johnsen, FCRH ’27
The first half of the game wrapped with a 1-0 deficit for the Rams. Knights forward Dominique Liberto, FDU ’26, scored in the 38th minute.
According to forward Julia Acosta, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill ’28, the Rams made adjustments for the second half.
“We realized in the second half that they play a high line so we quickly realized to switch to playing long balls over the top,” Acosta said.
In the 50th minute, Acosta tied the game with a goal from 15 yards out.
“I had success staying wide until getting the ball to then dribble and attack the goal,” she said.
Fordham’s defense was led by goalkeeper and captain Kyla King, FCRH ’26. King helped guide the defense through the game with consistent communication.
“Our defense had one of the best games we have played all season.” Kyla King, FCRH ’26
“The central focus in our scouting of FDU was making sure the center backs and midfielders matched the runners coming into the box for crosses (especially the cut-back passes). Throughout the game, we prioritized communicating about this,” King said. “I communicated with midfielders throughout the game to talk to the centerbacks about marking up on these runs, and encouraged the centerbacks to communicate to the midfielders what they needed to hear.”
King totaled six saves against the Knights to improve her record to 3-0 this season.
“Our defense had one of the best games we have played all season. We all communicated more than ever and minimized individual mistakes to create a solid back line against a creative, talented FDU attack,” King said.
The game-winning goal came from Johnsen in the 90th minute, closing out the game with a 2-1 final score. Midfielder Ava Giudice, FCRH ’27, made the assist from the right side of the box so Johnsen could find the net and score her second goal of the season. The win improved the Rams’ season record to 4-1-1.
“We were confident in ourselves and knew we didn’t need to panic and with the effort to get the second goal it just proved how calm we were. It was probably one of the calmest goals I’ve scored that has been in the last minutes of a game,” Johnsen said.
Johnsen and Giudice are tied with forward Liina Tervo, FCRH ’28, for the team lead in scoring. All three players have eight points so far this season.
The Rams will face two Ivy League competitors next.
“We’re playing Columbia and Yale this upcoming week who are tough opponents but also leads to a good tight game,” Johnsen said. “We have a good momentum going for us that should give us an advantage.”
King echoed the Rams’ strength ahead of their upcoming games.
“This year we have a team that is deep in talent. Every player on our team could be a starter and make a difference for us, but not everyone has the chance to get onto the field and get the same minutes. It takes every single player to make a winning team, and we push each other every day,” King said.
The Rams will face Columbia University at Moglia Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. for “Never Forget” Remembrance Day.
