FAIRFIELD, Conn. – A first-half goal was the difference in the game as the Fairfield University men's soccer team fell short in its home opener, dropping a 1-0 decision to Columbia University at Lessing Field.
 
                The game got off to a quick start as both teams created a scoring chance in the opening minutes. Columbia started play at midfield and worked its way inside the box on its first possession. David Najem nearly scored on the Columbia's first shot of the game, but a diving effort by goalkeeper Michael O'Keeffe kept the game scoreless.
 
                Fairfield also had a chance early in the first half when Jack Burridge found space eight yards from goal. A cross to the center of the box landed a few feet from Burridge, causing him to slide to the ball and redirecting it toward goal. An acrobatic save by Zach Glubiak prevented the ball from going over the line, keeping the game at 0-0.
 
                The Lions finally broke through in the 29^th minute when Najem secured a rebound off an initial shot from Francois Anderson. Still recovering from his initial save, O'Keeffe was not able to get to Najem's shot which caught the far right corner at 28:12.
 
                The Stags managed three shots in the second half, but all three attempts were promising opportunities. The best chance came on a cross by Jon Clements which found Tim West umarked on the far post. West tried to strike the ball before it hit the pitch, but it glanced off the side of his foot and sailed wide of the goal.
 
                O'Keeffe made several saves late in the half to keep the deficit at one goal, as the junior finished with seven saves in 90 minutes. Glubiak tallied three saves to preserve the shutout in the team's 2011 season opener.