Men's Soccer Advances To Semifinals With 1-0 Win O

Box Score

                A lot could be said about the men's soccer team's 1-0 win over Rider University in the quarterfinal match of the 2011 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament. Yes, the team extended its unbeaten streak to 11 games. And yes, the Stags remained unbeaten against MAAC opponents this season.

                The most important thing that could be said about today's win is that the Stags are one step closer to their goal of winning a fourth MAAC championship and another trip to the NCAA tournament. Although the seedings may have indicated otherwise, the top-seeded Stags and ninth-seeded Broncs locked themselves into a defensive battle, much unlike the 3-2 overtime win by Fairfield in the regular-season meeting.

                “It was a battle,” Head Coach Carl Rees said after the game. “It was a good mental performance from us. These types of games can be anxious, but our guys did not succumb to any fear of failure. But this team showed the same characteristics, the same fight, and the same battle that it has shown all season long.”

                Some of that anxiety may have been alleviated early in the first half when Fairfield's Jordan Ayris did what he has done all season long – score a game-winning goal. In this instance, the freshman secured a pass from the left side of the box, dribbled past a couple of defenders and slid a shot past the oncoming goalkeeper.

                “We felt we could capitalize on the blind side of their wide defenders,” Rees said. “It was a second effort goal. Jordan was able to battle through a couple of defenders and finish like he has all year. He continues to have a tremendous season as a freshman.”

                The Stags defense made that goal stand up, something that it has done extremely well over the last four-plus games. Fairfield has not allowed a goal in over 400 minutes of work, and secured its sixth shutout of the season.

                “Jack Burridge had a great game, offering relief when we were under pressure,” Rees said. “We did well defensively in the midfield as well. The four defenders did not allow any penetration today, and when Rider did make a run, Michael O'Keeffe was there to make the stop. Jack Cleverley joined Jack Burridge as our mainstays in today's performance by leading by example.”

                The Stags will now face fifth-seeded Marist College in Sunday's tournament semifinal, a game which starts at 11 am. The game will be streamed live on ESPN3. Should the team win its semifinal game, the Stags would play in the MAAC tournament final on Monday at noon which will also be streamed on ESPN3.

Print Friendly Version