Box Score FAIRFIELD, Conn. – They didn't control possession, they didn't have many shots (only four), but the Fairfield women's soccer team found a way to win. This time by a late goal from Ashley Small and another brilliant effort from Kathleen Early to give the Stags a 1-0 win over Rider in their MAAC opener.
“The team was able to manage a win against a very good quality opponent in the MAAC conference,” Head Coach Jim O'Brien said. “Rider was very good on the evening. We were lucky to come out with a with but Early had a solid performance to keep us in the game and Ashley got the goal we needed just prior to the end of the game.”
Small's game-winning goal, the fourth of the season for the senior, came with just under three minutes to play in regulation. Faith Daley played a ball on the right side of the box and looped into the penalty area where Small was able to finish. It was the first collegiate points for Daley and the 11th game-winning goal in Small's career.
The goal was much needed for Fairfield (7-2-1, 1-0-0 MAAC) who managed a season-low four shots in the contest, and just two on goal.
The first half featured 16 combined fouls, and only seven shots. The lone attempt for the Stags came in the 19th minute by Karolyn Collins, the first shot attempted by either side. Rider (5-3-1, 0-1-1 MAAC) would take the next six shots forcing Early to make five saves in the first 45 minutes. The best chance for Rider came in the 36th minute when Emily Schmitt rocketed a shot from outside of the box that Early was able to lineup and catch without any problem.
The Stags defense would be tested time and time again in the second half, and they answered every challenge. The Broncs attempted 14 shots in the second frame, including ten straight chances. Michelle Iacono would be at the front of their two best chances. In the 57th minute, Iacono attempted to initially cross the ball into the box, but the pass ended up curving and hit the top of the crossbar, and Rider was turned away. Later in the second half, Iacono found herself along at the right edge of the box and shot the ball into the far post, forcing Early to make a fully extended save diving to her left to knock out the ground ball.
Then it was finally Fairfield's turn. The Stags sent a cross into the box that was hit out by a Rider defender but then found the feet of Daley. The freshman looped the ball in for Small who finished in the top right corner to seal the victory with three minutes to play.
Rider tried to answer back but attempts from Iacono and Hollie Kelsh were off the mark..
The win extends the program-bets unbeaten streak to 18 games on Lessing Field, including seven-straight wins. It is also the 19th time in 23 season that the Stags have started 1-0 in the MAAC and the eighth straight season.
For the game, Fairfield was outshot 20-4, including 14-3 in the second half. The Stags out shot the Broncs 23-9 last season but lost the contest 1-0. Fairfield was whistled for 15 fouls compared to 12 for Rider, and the Broncs took the only corner kick of the game.
Early made eight saves in the game and posted her fourth shutout of the season and the 19th of her career.
The Stags continue MAAC play when they travel to Quinnipiac Wednesday, October 1 with kickoff set for 3 pm.
