Box Score FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's soccer team battled 13th-ranked Boston College to a scoreless draw at Lessing Field on Tuesday night. It was the second straight game in which the Stags finished in a 0-0 tie, also playing the University of Massachusetts to the same result on September 11.
Boston College outshot the Stags by a 17-11 count, the first time this year that the opponent had more shots than Fairfield. The Eagles picked up most of their shots in the second half, enjoying a 10-3 advantage in those 45 minutes of action.
Michael O'Keeffe extended his scoreless streak to 281 minutes, last allowing a goal in the 29th minute against Yale on September 7. He made five saves to secure the tie, including a diving save in closing minutes off a header that he was just able to get a hand on to keep the game scoreless. Boston College goalkeeper Justin Luthy made three saves in the game.
Boston College had its best opportunities to score during a six-minute span late in the second half. The flurry started when Charlie Rugg hit the cross bar in the 75th minute. The ball came back into play, and Rugg sent another shot back toward the goal. O'Keefe was equal to the challenge and turned away the shot.
Six minutes later, the Eagles had two more chances. Kyle Bekker took a shot but O'Keeffe stopped the shot. Just seconds later, Karl Reddick had an opportunity as he sent a shot to the lower corner. O'Keeffe deflected the ball away from danger to keep the game scoreless.
The Stags nearly ended the game with seconds remaining in the first overtime. Jean Fauchet served a ball off a free kick into the box, which Adam Cown redirected with a header toward the lower corner. The ball hit the post and caromed back into play. Cowen secured the ball and pushed it back toward goal, but Luthy came up with the save.
Fairfield returns to the pitch on Friday night when it hosts Northeastern University at Lessing Field. The game time is slated for 7 pm.
