ALBANY, N.Y. -- Two mistakes in the back were the difference in No. 22-ranked Fairleigh Dickinson men's soccer team losing its first contest of the season, as the Knights fell on the road to Albany, 2-1, Sunday night in the opening game at the brand-new Bob Ford Field. With the victory, the Great Danes improve to 1-4-1 on the season, while FDU falls to 4-1-0 overall.

After a scoreless first half where FDU was outshot, 5-4, Albany took advantage of the Knights' mistake in the 58th minute when Brandon Wilson scored on a breakaway goal to put the Great Danes up 1-0.

Eight minutes later, FDU had a rare breakdown in the back, and a pass was intercepted by Jonathan Interiano, who found Phil Danara, who then found the back of the net to extend the lead to 2-0.

However, the Knights responded quickly and cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 70th minute on senior David Cornwell's second goal of the season. He scored after redshirt senior Jeffrey Barrenechea sent a cross his way. Junior Nico Wright also deflected the pass to Cornwell, allowing both players to receive an assist.

But over the final 20 minutes, FDU could not come up with the equalizer and dropped its first contest of the season, 2-1.

The Knights held a 10-4 advantage in shots over the final 45 minutes and 14-9 in the match. Senior goalkeeper Jacob Lissek made two saves while allowing the first two goals of the year. Albany's Tim Allen made three saves in net.

"We were not very sharp tonight, but credit Albany for punishing us for two bad errors that we made," Head Coach Seth Roland said. "That was the difference in the game. I am confident we will learn from the mistakes and regroup for the upcoming trip to Northwestern."

As mentioned by Roland, FDU will head to Evanston, Ill. next weekend to participate in the Lakeside Classic. The Knights will take on Northern Illinois at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, before taking on Northwestern on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m.

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