Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- A second-half surge was the difference in this game as the Fairfield University women's soccer team tallied a pair of goals in a six-minute span to secure a 2-0 win over Manhattan College at Lessing Field. The win kept Fairfield unbeaten at home, improving the team's record to 5-0-1 on their pitch.

The two teams fought their way through a scoreless first half despite combining for eight shots in the first 45 minutes. The Stags outshot the Lady Jaspers by a 5-3 count, but it was Fairfield's first shot that almost made the difference. Just a few minutes into the game, senior Carly Beyar made a brilliant run across the box, starting right side and completing the opportunity at the top of the box. She released a shot on the move toward the near cornerbut the ball hit flush against the post.

Manhattan controlled the pace for the next 20 minutes, registering all three of its shots during that block of time. The first two attempts never reached the goal area as Stag defenders blocked each of the shots. The third shot was the Lady Jaspers' best opportunity of the night when Tiffanie McIntosh lofted a shot from 20 yards that sailed just over the cross bar in the 26th minute.

Head Coach Jim O'Brien shuffled the lineup to start the second half and the results were successful almost immediately. Just 78 seconds into the half, Sarah Frasetto, who came off the bench at the start of the half, collected a loose ball 10 yards from goal. Facing away from goal, the senior midfielder spun with the ball at her feet and chipped a shot that went into the upper corner to put the Stags in the lead. For Frasetto, the goal ended up being the game-winner and represented her first career goal.

The Stags continued to apply pressure over the next six minutes which would lead to another goal in the 52nd minute. After two corner kicks, Fairfield broke through when Pam Coufos tallied her first goal of the season. The freshman secured a deflected ball in the penalty area and sent a shot back toward the goal that eluded two defenders and the goalkeeper to double the Stags advantage at 2-0.

Manhattan never really threatened in the second half, registering two shots over the final 45 minutes. None of the team's five shots tested goalkeeper Kathleen Early as the junior was not forced to make a save in the game. She played aggressively throughout the game though which thwarted a couple of Manhattan chances before they fully developed.

Fairfield returns to action on October 12 when the team travels to upstate New York for an afternoon match up with Canisius College. Game time is scheduled for 1 pm.