Men’s Soccer Blanked by FDU, 1-0

Saturday, September 21

New York, N.Y.

7:00 p.m.

Columbia University

0-6-0, 0-0-0

FDU

4-2-3, 0-0-0

FDU

Columbia

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Owen Cooper

9/21/2024 9:54:00 PM | Men's Soccer

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First-year keeper O’Brien makes five saves in second career start

NEW YORK — The Columbia men's soccer team suffered its third one-goal loss of the season, falling against FDU, 1-0, Saturday night at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

Columbia (0-6-0) had great energy and created a lot of pressure at the start. It led to a header by Luka Peric in the opening two minutes that required a diving save from Spencer King. The Lions kept that energy up and had the better of it over the opening 20-25 minutes.

FDU (4-2-3) began to turn the tide and get into their game after that. Columbia keeper Alexander O'Brien made three incredible saves in succession around the 36th minute that kept the game level for the time being.

However, with less than three minutes to go before halftime, the Knights struck. Substitute Eric Diabal received a pass in the box and fired off a shot that was blocked away by the Columbia defense. The deflection popped up for Diabal to flick to his right, finding another substitute, Jack Bejarano, at close range. Bejarano did not squander the opportunity.

Peric's shot in the opening minutes wound up being the only one for the Lions all half. They took four more in the second half, one on goal, with King collecting his second save. O'Brien had five saves for the Lions in his second collegiate start.

Columbia completes its four-match homestand on Tuesday against Fordham. First kick is set for 7 p.m.

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