Kingston, R.I.  – Rhode Island's Chelsea Gates scored two minutes into the first overtime period as the Fairfield University's women's soccer team dropped a heartbreaker on the road for their first loss of the season.

Gates scored the golden goal just a minute after Fairfield (1-1) watched Friday night's hero Brenna Brown's hit the crossbar with an attempt in the 91st minute.  The Rams (1-0-1) capitalized on the miss and Gates pushed the game-winner into the net.

Both teams had their chances to take a late lead in regulation.  Brown took a shot with three minutes remaining but was turned away from Reilly Lindsey. Fairfield had another opportunity off of a corner kick but Megan O'Brien's header sailed high.  The Rams missed their chance with under a minute to play when the eventual goal-scorer Gates' attempt went high and the game went into overtime.

After a defensive showing in the first half, Fairfield found their momentum in the second out-shooting their opponent 7-4 and forcing four saves from Lindsey.  The senior prevented two shots from Grace Landers and one from Michelle Kowalski and Brown.  The Rams had the first opportunity just two minutes into the half when Kathleen Early turned away a targeted shot by Nicole Brennan.  That would be the last shot for Rhode Island for 25 minutes but the Rams were able to keep the Stags off the board.

In the first 45 minutes, the Stags' defense had to hold the charging Rams as the home team recorded seven of the 11 shots during the period.  Rhode Island's best opportunity came in the 27th minute when Alex Stanton's shot hit off the post to keep the game scoreless.  The Stags combined for four shots in the opening period, with one on target coming off the foot of Pam Coufos in the 33rd minute.

After a slow start, Fairfield out-shot Rhode Island 12-11 for the game and had a 7-4 advantage in corners.  The Stags were whistled for nine fouls compared to six for the Rams and Rhode Island received the only offsides call in the contest.  Early finished with a season-high three saves with Rhode Island's Lindsey stopping five shots.

The Stags open the home portion of their 2014 schedule on Friday when they host Maine August 29 at 7 pm., followed by another home contest against Hartford on Sunday August 31 at 1 pm.  Fans can purchase tickets to all Fairfield soccer home games online.  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and youths.