TEANECK, N.J.- Fairleigh Dicksinon's goal in the 74th minute handed Lafayette its first defeat of the 2023 season, in a 1-0 final on Tuesday night. 

Coming into this game, both sides had managed to only concede four goals in their respective seasons.

The first half hour of play was methodical from both sides. Neither team took too many risks, as they battled in midfield for the majority of the half.

In the 35^th minute, the Leopards had a good chance. Junior Connor Dawson quickly took a throw-in that caught FDU off guard. His throw was targeted for freshman Roy Biegon, the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Week. He collected the ball in stride and took a right-footed shot but his effort was blocked.

Mario Ibeas had the best chance of the half for the Knights. FDU had won a corner moments before Ibeas rose above the Leopards' backline and headed the ball towards goal. His effort rose over sophomore goalkeeper Eric Axtman's head, leading to a Lafayette goal kick.

With less than 90 seconds to play in the half, junior Carter Houlihan won a header in midfield that Biegon eventually flicked on to junior Lawrence Aydlett. Aydlett took off with the ball in stride as he approached the Knights' penalty area. The Reisterstown, Md. native unleashed a powerful right-footed effort that struck the right post, leaving the score at 0-0 going into halftime.

In the 47^th minute, Lafayette came very close to taking the lead. A long ball from senior Jack Needham found junior A.J. McIntyre just outside the Knights' penalty area. McIntyre turned towards the goal and stretched to release a shot. The effort beat goalkeeper Spencer King but an FDU defender made an exceptional goal line clearance to keep the game level.

Biegon won a penalty for Lafayette in the 69^th minute. After tirelessly pressing, FDU made a mistake, allowing the freshman forward to drive towards King's goal. While entering the penalty area, Biegon was brought down. Senior captain Hale Lombard stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was saved down to King's bottom left corner.

In the 74^th minute, FDU found the match winner. An FDU defender sprayed a long ball towards the Leopards' penalty area. Eric Dlabal settled the ball with his first touch and stroked the ball calmly past Axtman with his second to give the Knights the lead.

Despite the Leopards' best efforts, they were not able to find an equalizer. The Leopards out-shot the Knights 18-6 on the night, but were unable to convert their chances. 

Lafayette looks to bounce back in its next match at 6 p.m. on Saturday against Colgate, for its first Patriot League action of the season.