Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Midfielder Jake Zuniga scored off a corner kick and goalkeeper Joe Martin made three saves in his collegiate debut as the Fairfield University men's soccer team posted a 1-1 tie in the season opener against Hartwick College.

The Stags scored their goal late in the first half but had several opportunities earlier in the game. Just three minutes into the season, Jordan Ayris nearly put Fairfield in front with a volley near the right post that was blocked before it found its way to the goal. He also had another opportunity in the 12th minute when he broke free toward goal but a diving save by goalkeeper Mateo Munarriz prevented the Stags from taking the lead.

Last year's leading scorer Reco McLaren was given his first opportunity of the game in the 23rd minute with a shot that was sent to the lower corner. But once again, Munarriz was able to get a hand on the ball to keep the game scoreless. Both Ayris and McLaren each had one more opportunity in the final 15 minutes but it was Zuniga who finally broke through with 1:26 on the clock. The junior was awarded a corner kick to the far side of the field. He curled a cross that headed toward goal. Munarriz was able to put a hand on the cross but the ball continued into the goal for the Stags' first goal of 2013.

The second half did not provide as many opportunities but the Stags did have one goal pulled off the board in the 54 minute. James Taylor started the run into the left side of the box and sent a ball to Ayris who flicked the ball back over the defense onto the foot of Taylor. The forward volleyed the shot into the goal but the linesman raised his flag and caught the sophomore offside by a whisker.

Hartwick tied the game with just over 11 minutes remaining off a free kick. David Styles started the set play and sent a cross to the middle of the box. Will Broomfield sailed above the defense and redirected the ball with a header that sent the ball just under the cross bar for the tying goal. Neither team had many chances in the first or second overtime, although the Hawks took four shots to the Stags' two attempts. Only one of Hartwick's shots in overtime forced a save.

Fairfield returns to the pitch on September 7 when it heads to Northeastern University for a 6 pm game.