NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Danielle Kennedy's score in the sixth minute was all Niagara needed, as the Stags soccer team dropped just their second conference match of the season, falling 1-0 on the road.

"The result today was a disappointment," Head Coach Jim O'Brien said.  "Although both teams had limited chances we felt that we had the better opportunities and did not capitalize.  I am sure the team will bounce back and get the needed resul on Wednesday at Iona."

Fairfield (13-4-1, 7-2 MAAC) allowed the first shot of the game to hit the back of the net.  In the sixth minute, Maureen Papaconstantinou sent a set piece into the box where Kennedy was able to finish the cross and give Niagara (9-2-5, 5-1-3 MAAC) the 1-0 lead.

The Stags then held off a barrage of Niagara opportunities which accounted for two shots and four corner kicks in the span on ten minutes. 

Then the two top defense's in the conference took over the match.  Niagara came into the match as the top defensive unit in the MAAC, allowing 0.74 goals per game.  The Purple Eagles allowed four shots in the first half, with the opportunity from Ashley Small needing to be saved by Claire Feiertag.

The Stags would have three more chances in the match but could not find the back of the net. Fairfield saw two shots from Cassidy Boegel and one from Small sneak wide of the goal.

Fairfield who came in the match second in the MAAC in goals against average with a 0.86 mark, allowed just six shots in the match with Kathleen Early picking up two saves. 

The Stags were whistled for 12 fouls in the contest compared to six for the home side.  The Purple Eagles also had a slight 6-5 advantage in corner kicks.  Fairfield out-shot Niagara 7-6.

Even with the loss, Fairfield controls their own destiny looking for a first-round bye in the MAAC Championships.  The Stags have accumulated 21 points, which is three more than Niagara (18) with one more game to play.  If the Stags defeat Iona, or Niagara loses or draws against Marist, the Stags will still clinch a number two seed.

Fairfield plays their pivotal game Wednesday, October 29 at Iona with kickoff at 3pm.