FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Jon Clements scored the only goal for the Fairfield University men's soccer team as the Stags finished with a 1-1 tie against Monmouth University.

The first half was evenly played with most of the action coming in the middle third of the pitch. While the ball moved freely in that area, both defenses thwarted any attempts that challenged inside their third of the field.

Monmouth's only shot of the half came early in the half when Derek Luke brought the ball from the left flank to the center of the field, releasing a shot on the run that was blocked about 15 yards from the goal. Fairfield's lone shot was more dangerous as Martin Lindgren was free from 20 yards when he sent a shot just over the crossbar in the bar in the 25^th minute.

The Stags had one other serious threat just a few minutes later, an opportunity that came about when Monmouth goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky slid past the ball as he challenged Reco McLaren when he entered the penalty area from the left side. McLaren was quickly smothered by two Hawk defenders before he was able to distribute the ball, ending the threat.

The second half featured faster pace that brought more opportunities for both squads. The Stags nearly broke through just two minutes into the second half when they were awarded a corner kick. George Newton sent the ball toward the center and saw the ball curl toward the near corner. The corner kick glanced off the post and over the touch line to keep the game scoreless.

Fairfield ended the scoreless drought in the 57^th minute when the referee blew the whistle for an infraction during a set play. Jon Clements spotted and stood over the ball, finishing the shot to the far corner and giving the home team a 1-0 edge.

Monmouth picked up its pace and made several runs toward goal over the next 15 minutes. The pressure finally paid off as the Hawks tied the game in 72^nd minute. Jacob Rubernstein started the scoring play with a cross from the right side of the box. The pass found the feet of Dave Nigro, who stopped the ball and pushed a shot to the far corner which tied the game at 1-1.

Fairfield had two excellent opportunities in the first overtime, the first of which forced Klenofsky to make his first save of the game. The ball was sent from Tom Clements to the center of the box where Lindgren pushed a shot toward the right corner. Klenofsky dove fully extended to make the save and keep the game tied. A few minutes later, a brilliant run down the left side by Nuno Rodrigues nearly resulted in the game winner. The midfielder sent a cross into the box that was punched away by Klenofsky, a ball which otherwise may have landed at the feet of an open Jordan Ayris.

The second half really did not provide any opportunities for either team as defense dominated the final 10 minutes of the game.

Klenofsky made two saves in the game while Fairfield goalkeeper Joe Martin did not make any stops in 110 minutes of work.

The Stags return to action on Wednesday, October 9 when they head to Manhattan College for a MAAC match up. Game time is 7 pm.