FAIRFIELD, Conn. – For Fairfield, this is the start of their most important matches in the 2015 season. The Stags, winners of back-to-back games will open up MAAC play on Saturday when they host the Niagara Purple Eagles at 1pm in their final game of their current seven match home stand. The afternoon game will be a rematch of last year's MAAC Semifinals, a game where Fairfield would eventually advance in dramatic fashion.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Fairfield is coming off their second-straight victory, defeating Jesuit rival Holy Cross, 2-1 on Monday. The win improved the Fairfield unbeaten streak in the series to 12 games (10-0-2 since 1993). Once again, the Stags struck early by notching a goal just 95 seconds into the match. Cassidy Boegel was the Stag to first get on the scoreboard for her first goal in 2015. Sydney Arestivo recorded her second-straight game-winning goal, which already sets a new career-high. Pamela Coufos led a defensive stand in the second half, only allowing seven total shots (two on goal) despite Holy Cross controlling possession for the majority of the half.
KICK OUT CANCER: The Fairfield men's and women's soccer teams and Stags in the Stands will join forces this Saturday, Sept. 19 as a part of the University's 2015 Kick Out Cancer event. All proceeds from the day's action will benefit the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center. In between contests, Fairfield students will participate in the Kick Out Cancer 3 vs. 3 Soccer Tournament. The $5 entry fee for each participant will be donated to the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, which is a part of nearby Bridgeport Hospital. In addition, both the Fairfield men's and women's soccer teams have adopted their own fundraising initiatives to benefit the Pfriem Center.
STAGS IN MAAC OPENERS: Fairfield is an incredible 19-2-2 all-time in the first MAAC game of the season and have won four-straight. The Stags have not started 0-1 in the MAAC since 2005, when they took the loss to Iona. Fairfield had an 11-game winning streak in MAAC openers for the first 11 years in the program's history before that streak was snapped by Manhattan in 2003. This is the first time that the Stags and Purple Eagles will meet to open up conference play.
STARTING EARLY: Fans coming to Lessing Field have not had the chance to get to their seat before the action has begun so far this season. Over the last two matches, the Stags have scored their first goal less than five minutes into the game. Fairfield scored their first tally just 95 seconds into the game against Holy Cross. Additionally, all seven goals scored in the last two games by both teams have come in the first half. On the season, 16 of the 22 goals scored in Fairfield games have come in the first stanza, including six of the nine Stags' goals.
SHE'S BACK!: After missing all of last season with an injury, Sydney Arestivo looks like she is getting back into form. In the last two games, the speedy midfielder has notched a goal in both contests, with both coming in the game-winning variety. The two goals already doubles her career total (as she had two during her MAAC All-Rookie 2013 season).
FAIRFIELD V. NIAGARA: The Stags and the Purple Eagles will be meeting for the 29th time in program history, with Fairfield holding a 19-7-2 advantage. The last time these two teams saw each other was in the MAAC Tournament Semifinals last year when Kathleen Early had arguably the most memorable goalkeeping moment in tournament history. Behind 2-0 in penalty kicks, Early stopped three-straight attempts as Fairfield came from behind in dramatic fashion. Boegel had the lone goal for the Stags in regulation, while Catherine Meyer tallied the score for the Purple Eagles. Fairfield is 9-1-0 against Niagara on Lessing Field with their lone loss coming in 2006.
A LOOK AT THE PURPLE EAGLES: Niagara is looking for their first victory since September 4 against Binghamton, as they come into the match with a 2-3-2 record. Five of the six goals scored by Niagara this season have come off the foot of Haillie Price. The redshirt senior is currently tied for the league lead in goals. Claire Feiertag, who was one of the best goalkeepers in the MAAC last season, has recorded a 1.21 goals against average and a .800 save percentage so far in 2015.
UP NEXT: The Stags will actually hit the road for the first time since August 23, when they play in their final non-conference game of the season against Stony Brook on Wednesday at 7pm.
