BOX SCORE TEANECK, N.J. (Oct. 10, 2014) -- The Saint Francis U men's soccer team began Northeast Conference play with a 2-1 victory over NEC foe Fairleigh Dickinson Friday afternoon at University Stadium.
 
SFU's 2-1 triumph over Fairleigh Dickinson ends a seven-year drought against the Knights.

I am really proud of the way the guys responded to the goal we conceded tonight," said head coach Michael Casper. "After that went in I was wondering how we were going to react. The boys gathered themselves and started getting back to what we do well and they were rewarded with a goal. I thought FDU was tough tonight and to get a win away at their place is massive. I have a lot of respect for their program and to be able to get three points here is a great accomplishment by our guys."
 
The Red Flash struck 18 minutes into the contest off newcomer Conner Rezende (Davie, Fla. /University School at Nova Southeastern)s' first goal as a Red Flash. Ryan Byers (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) was credited with the assist. Byers turned in the middle of the FDU box and passed Rezende a great ball. Rezende finished beating the keeper in the lower left side of the Knights goal.
 
SFU held a 1-0 lead at the break. The Flash held a 7-to-6 advantage in shots; both teams took one corner kick apiece in the first half.
 
Fairleigh Dickinson found an equalizer in the 63rd minute of the contest. Christian Dietrich received a ball through traffic from Sam Durkot. Dietrich added the right touch to beat Andrew Garcia (Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional) and tie the contest.
 
Saint Francis responded to the Knights' equalizer in the 83rd minute of the game. Pablo Medina (Monterrey, Mexico/IMG Academies) delivered a perfect ball to Byers from 40 yards out. Byers spilt two defenders and the diving FDU keeper Matthew Weigner to score the game-winning goal. Byers notched his second goal of the season and first game-winning goal of the season.
 
Calvin Rezende (Davie, Fla. /University School at Nova Southeastern), Conner Rezende (Davie, Fla. /University School at Nova Southeastern), and Medina all recorded two shots in the game. Byers led all Red Flash attackers with five shots, two coming on goal.
 
The Red Flash picked up a crucial three points in the NEC standings and remain on the road as they face Bryant who is also 1-0 in NEC play Sunday at 1 p.m.