TEANECK, N.J. – Sophomore
Xavier Verdu scored his first career goal and freshman
Demetri Skoumbakis posted his first career shutout as the Long Island University men's soccer team blanked Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1-0 in Northeast Conference play on Friday, Oct. 18.
After a scoreless first half, LIU broke open the scoring during the 62nd minute when freshman
Keanu Tuart took a pass from classmate
Papa Ndoye and bent a cross into the penalty area which found the head of Verdu for the game's opening tally. Verdu headed a shot inside the left post for his first goal of his collegiate career, while Tuart and Ndoye earned their first collegiate assists on the play.
Skoumbakis needed one save during the second half, a stop during the 82nd minute to keep the Knights scoreless and earn the victory. The freshman keeper finished with two total saves in his first 90-minute outing of his career.
The Knights held a 15-10 edge in shots attempted on the evening, though the Sharks tallied shots on goal to just two for FDU.
With the win, LIU now has seven points in the conference standings with five games remaining. The Sharks begin their final postseason push next Friday, Oct. 25 when they travel to Central Connecticut State University for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against the Blue Devils.
