FAIRFIELD, Conn. – For the first time this season, the nation will get to view the Fairfield women's soccer team. The Stags, who are unbeaten in four of their last five matches, will be broadcasted live on ESPN3 when they travel to Buffalo, N.Y., to take on Canisius on Saturday at 7pm. The Stags will be seeking their fifth-straight win over the Griffs.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Stags held a 13-4 advantage in shots during the final 65 minutes of the contest but were held to a 1-1 draw against Manhattan during the first-ever collegiate match at Rafferty Stadium. Jenny Jacobs was the lone Stag to reach the back of the net, scoring her first career goal on an assist from Elena Santos, which was also her first career assist. The Stags had the better chances late in the game, including shots from Cassidy Boegel and Jacobs that would have ended the contest, but reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week Kristen Skonieczny made two diving saves in the first overtime to secure the draw. With the tie, the Stags earned their first conference point of the season.
I DREAM OF JENNY: Freshman forward Jenny Jacobs has presented a problem to other teams' defenses with her work ethic and speed all season long. She came into the last match attempting 26 shots which was second on the team. Against Manhattan, Jacobs scored her first collegiate goal and credits her extra work after practice with Assistant Coach Stuart Dick and Volunteer Assistant Coach Ross Stride as helping her to finish better in front of the net. The speed should not be a surprise to Jacobs, who helped her Tolland High School track team to win their first-ever State Open.
NEED A SHUTOUT: After recording nine shutouts last season, the Stags are still trying to find their first clean sheet of the 2015 season. Coming into the match, Fairfield is one of only 23 teams in the country, yet to record a shutout. However, of those 23 teams, only Coastal Carolina (6-4), Delaware State (4-7), and Sothern Utah (4-5) have more victories than the Stags.
FAIRFIELD VS CANISIUS: Fairfield is looking for their fifth-straight win over Canisius dating back to 2009. The numbers over the past two decades, are even more in favored of the Stags. Fairfield is unbeaten in 18 of the last 19 matches against the Griffs dating back to 1995, which included a 13-game winning streak. Brenna Brown leads active players with two goals in the series, with Anna Borea and Pamela Coufos each recording an assist against Canisius. The Stags lead the all-time series 19-4-1, and are 9-2 on the road.
THE CANISIUS SCOUTING REPORT: Canisius comes into the home match with a 3-7-2 overall record and a 1-2 conference mark, scoring 22 goals through their first 12 games. However, 16 of those scores came in the first game of the season (a 16-1 win over Hampton). During their last five games, the Griffs have scored three goals, with their only win over that span coming against Marist, (2-1 in double overtime). Taylor Kugler leads the team with 11 points on four goals and three assists. Emily Kuta is coming off her first career game-winning goal against Marist. In net, Kailee Defranks has started all 12 games as the Griffs' keeper. She has recorded a 2.09 goals against average and a .726 save percentage.
UP NEXT: The Stags will make the long bus ride home and get ready for a Wednesday match against Iona on October 7, at Lessing Field at 7pm.
