Box Score

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Two second-half goals erased a one-goal halftime deficit  as the Fairfield University men's soccer team defeated Canisius College by a 2-1 score this afternoon.

The Golden Griffs outshot the Stags by an 8-7 count in the opening 45 minutes, but it was the team's final shot on goal that made the difference. Gavin Falconer tallied his first goal of the season when he converted a pass from Will Hudson in the 38th minute. Falconer released his shot from outside the box which deflected off a defender which sent the ball into the corner of the goal.

The Stags solved the Canisius defense in the 66th minute when Nuno Rodrigues received a pass in the center of the box and drove a shot past the Griffs goalkeeper to tie the game at 1-1. Reco McLaren set up the goal with a cross from deep in the corner which skipped past two defenders before finding Rodrigues open at 10 yards.

Fairfield posted the game-winning goal with just over eight minutes remaining as Jordan Ayris secured the ball just inside the box, dribbled past his defender, and released a shot from 12 yards that found its way into the lower corner.

Fairfield goalkeeper Michael O'Keeffe made nine saves to earn the win as the senior faced 19 shots. Kareem Gray registered six saves for Canisius as the Stags managed 15 shots.

The Stags finish the regular season next weekend whey they host Marist College on November 2 and Siena College on November 4 at Lessing Field.