GLENSIDE, Pa. (September 6, 2012) - In the battle of the Knights, it was the Knights of Arcadia University who outlasted the visiting Knights of Neumann University on Thursday evening in Glenside. The night began with an opening ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize women's soccer's first ever game on the newly-renovated Easton Field and ended with a heart-pumping 3-2 finish to give AU its first victory of the season.

The first half was an intense battle full of physical play from both teams. It seemed as if neither team wanted to give an inch until first-year Rachel Bradd deaked the defense and passed ahead to sophomore NinaLynn Babieri, who sent an amazing shot past multiple defenders including the outreached fingers of Neumann goalkeeper Briana King and into the back of the net in the 41st minute. The highlight reel goal from Babieri gave AU a 1-0 lead that it would take to the intermission.

Fresh out of the locker room, Arcadia added to thelead off a goal from sophomore Kim Canfield (54:11). Once again, it was Braddwith the assist. With Arcadia holding a 2-0 lead, the physical play continuedas the officials tried to take control of the game calling foul after foul,including three cautions. Making her first appearance of the year aftersitting out last weekend's tournament at Haverford College, AU goalkeeper Veronica Willig and her fellow Knights were able to keep Neumann scoreless until the 74:53 mark when senior Casey Hagan found the net. Within minutes,Neumann struck again. This time, it was junior Rosie Kays, who scored offof a penalty kick.

The once comfortable lead for Arcadia was in question as the game was now tied at two apiece. Nevertheless, minutes after re-entering the game, junior Fatima Elmedkhar took a pass from Canfield and sent a shot that trickled past King and over the goal line for the game-winner. 

Arcadia will take the emotional victory into the weekend, when they will travel to Madison, N.J. for the Drew University Festival Tournament. The Knights will face off against Vassar College in the openinggame this Saturday at 3 p.m.