TEANECK — On a brisk Sunday night, the Fairleigh Dickinson men’s soccer team gave Central Connecticut State all the heat they could handle in earning a 5-1 triumph.

FDU’s four goals in the first half, including two from the team’s leading scorer Diego Arribas, put winless CCSU in an early hole it could not escape.

FDU improved to 5-5-2 overall and 1-1-2 in Northeast Conference play, remaining in the middle of the 10-team league standings. CCSU is 0-5 in NEC play and 0-10-1 overall.

The most electric moment of the night came in the 28th minute on a strike from freshman Peter Kozlej for his first collegiate goal. He was swarmed by his teammates as a section of the fans in attendance erupted for the young midfielder.

The season high scoring outburst for the Knights came in no small part from their efficient and timely passing. Freshman midfielder had assists on three of the four first-half goals, and only one of the Knights’ five goals was recorded without an assist.

With a tight field behind NEC leader Merrimack at 4-0, the five remaining conference games will be crucial in deciding whether the Knights will make the four-team NEC tournament. The Knights are back in action on Oct. 18 against LIU while CCSU takes on Saint Francis.

Diego Arribas scored two goals on six shots against CCU

Photo by Kenneth Ramirez Castro