FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield women's soccer team will look to snap a four-match losing streak when they host Rhode Island, searching for their first-ever win against the Rams. The match will be the fifth-straight home match for the Stags with kickoff coming at 7pm.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Stags are coming off a 3-1 loss to Bryant, with their lone goal coming from Anna Borea on a penalty kick. Starting her first career match, Bulldogs goalkeeper Rachel Brightman recorded nine saves to help Bryant to their first win of the season. The Stags took four of the last five shots of the match and held the Bulldogs without a shot for over 25 minutes in the second half. Elena Santos led to the first goal of the match for Fairfield, being tackled in the box which would give the Stags the penalty kick.
IT'S A PIZZA PARTY!: Fans can join Lucas the Stag this Friday at Lessing Field at 7pm, for the Lil' Stags pizza party. All Lil' Stags Club members from 2014-15 will have the opportunity to meet the brand new Lucas, enjoy a pizza party and participate in halftime activities. In addition, all Fairfield University alumni and their children are invited to arrive at Lessing Field at 5:30 p.m. for the #JesuitEducated campaign highlighting future Stags in attendance. All children who participate will receive a t-shirt.
BOREA AND PENALTY KICKS: The penalty kick for Borea was the second of her career, both coming in back-to-back years. Borea's first opportunity came on September 14, 2014, against Stony Brook. The penalty kick also was at Lessing Field and also came in the second half. Borea is now 2-for-2 in penalty kicks.
WE'RE GETTING THERE: Although the Stags have not scored many goals this season, Fairfield have created chances. The Stags rank second in the MAAC with 14.70 shots per game, 42 percent of those have been on target. Opponents have recorded 33 saves against the Stags. Jenny Jacobs leads the Stags with 17 attempts.
FAIRFIELD V. RHODE ISLAND: The Stags are looking for their first-ever victory against URI. The two teams have met just twice since the series started in 2001. Last season was the first time in over a decade the two squads played each other, with Rhode Island picking up a 1-0 overtime victory. The Rams scored just over one minute into the overtime period when Chelsea Gates notched the golden goal. Just one minute prior, Brenna Brown almost ended the match, but her attempt rang off the crossbar.
THE RAMS' SCOUTING REPORT: Rhode Island is fresh off their biggest win of the season, a 1-0 shutout against SEC member Alabama. The Rams come into the match ranked No. 6 in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Poll after winning their last two matches. Last season was a magical ride for Rhode Island, finishing 12-5-2 and advanced to the conference Quarterfinals after being selected 13th in the Preseason Poll. Reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Week, Ari Stanton leads Rhode Island with three goals while Emily Wakeford and Madison Waldron have chipped in two apiece. Katie Nickles has played every minute in goal and owns a 1.34 goal against average and a .844 save percentage.
UP NEXT: The Stags host yet another home match, welcoming Jesuit rival Holy Cross on Monday at 6pm.
