MADISON, N.J. — FDU shook off a midweek loss to Saint Francis with a commanding performance against Le Moyne on Thursday, cruising to a 3-1 victory that showcased the home side's attacking prowess. The Patriots controlled much of the match, particularly in the second half, as Jaime Barbero, Arnau Rabassa Guillamon, and Victor Laracca found the back of the net to secure the win and improve to 9-4-3 on the season.
The opening 45 minutes remained scoreless despite FDU's territorial advantage. The home side peppered Le Moyne's defense with 10 corner kicks and dominated possession, but the Dolphins' backline held firm through the first half. Barbero tested the goalkeeper early with a pair of attempts, while Takuto Nishide and Luke Ayaz also came close without finding the target. Le Moyne managed limited chances of their own, with Cameron Stuart and Giuliano Michitti unable to capitalize on rare opportunities.
FDU finally broke through in the 61st minute when Barbero finished from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Just moments later, Rabassa Guillamon doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, putting FDU firmly in control. The two-goal cushion appeared to have settled the match, though Le Moyne refused to go quietly. An own goal in the 62nd minute had briefly given the visitors hope, but FDU's clinical finishing proved the difference.
The second half saw FDU maintain relentless pressure on Le Moyne's defense. The Patriots generated 15 total shot attempts compared to Le Moyne's seven, with eight shots on goal to the Dolphins' four. Laracca sealed the victory in the 72nd minute with an insurance goal, effectively ending any comeback hopes. Despite trailing for much of the match, Le Moyne showed resilience and managed to keep the deficit manageable until the final whistle.
Defensively, FDU's goalkeeper made four saves while Le Moyne's keeper recorded five stops. The yellow card count favored FDU slightly, with Le Moyne drawing four cautions to the hosts' three. Vito Kreuzpaintner and Maximilian Huss were among those cautioned for the visitors, while Damian Naumoski, Victor Labite, and Connor O Reilly drew yellows for the Patriots.
The victory marks FDU's return to winning form after dropping a 1-0 decision to Saint Francis on October 26. The Patriots' balanced attack—generating multiple scoring opportunities throughout—proved too much for a Le Moyne side struggling to find consistency this season. FDU's 10 corner kicks to Le Moyne's three underscored the home team's dominance in creating chances from set pieces.
For Le Moyne, the loss extends a difficult stretch. The Dolphins sit at 3-9-2 after dropping their third consecutive game, though they did salvage a pair of draws earlier in the week against New Haven and Stonehill. The team will look to regroup when they visit Central Connecticut State on November 6.
FDU, meanwhile, continues building momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The Patriots will travel to Mercyhurst on November 6, looking to maintain their winning ways and solidify their tournament resume as the season enters its crucial final weeks.