STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The Stags' resiliency paid off. Brenna Brown tied the game by finding the back of the net with just 3:03 remaining in the second half, and both teams hung on to that 2-2 score. With the draw against Stony Brook, Fairfield records their first tie of the 2015 season and officially closes out the non-conference season.
“The game was a tough test against a team that has been playing well after a slow start,” Head Coach Jim O'Brien said. “Stony Brook has some quality players who gave us many problems which we dealt with well.”
Playing in their first true road match since August 21, Fairfield (3-6-1, 0-1-0 MAAC) was chasing a goal early when a Stags' defender pushed a Stony Brook (3-5-2) striker in the box to force a Seawolves penalty kick. Raven Edwards (who recorded a penalty score in her last match) stepped up and converted the opportunity to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
That would make the Stags come back for the first time this evening, which they did. Brown ran down the middle of the field and Jackie Goudreault crossed a pass to her and she was able to hit the ball in the back of the net. For Brown it was the second goal of the season for her, and the second-straight game that Goudreault recorded a point (also her first career assist). Pamela Coufos also recorded an assist on the play.
Both sides forced the issue in the second half, but it was the home side that looked like they were destined for the win, when Edwards lined a beautiful shot to the upper right side of the goal. Edwards, who notched her fifth goal of the season, connected with the shot from well outside the penalty area.
With the Stags in desperation mode and time ticking down, they got a break. The goalkeeper misplayed a cross and it found the head of Brown who was able to sneak it into the net to knot the game at 2-2 with 3:03 remaining in the second half. For Brown, it was her first multi-goal match since October 12, 2013 against Canisius.
“Brenna had one of her best games as a Stag and came through for us in a big way tonight,” Coach O'Brien said. “We hope that her performance will carry over when we face Manhattan at home next Wednesday.”
Edwards tallied the only shot during the last seconds of regulation, but her attempt was blocked.
Both sides had a great chance for the 'golden goal' during the second overtime period. Karolyn Collins booted a long free kick from near midfield which forced the goalkeeper to jump up and grab the ball. However, the goalkeeper dropped the ball and it fell to the feet of the Stags. Holly Habyan found the loose ball and fired it towards the net, but Cara Gallagher was able to recover to keep the game tied.
All night long, Collins put the Seawolves on their heels by launching several free kicks towards goal. Playing centerback, Collins added a new dimension for Fairfield serving several balls into the box.
Stony Brook, who controlled the majority of the second overtime period, had their best chance when Edwards lined a shot towards the right side of the net, but Coufos was able to get into the lane and block the attempt setting up a corner kick, which the Stags would successfully clear.
Although they didn't pick up the victory, the result showed that the Stags' resiliency is finally paying off. With this draw, the Stags record their second comeback of the season, thanks to a goal in the 87th minute, the latest that Fairfield has scored a goal so far this season.
“Being able to come back from a one goal lead twice, combined with a late goal, is a testament to the team's resiliency,” O'Brien said. “This will help us as we get into MAAC play. I was pleased with the performance overall and I am happy with the team as we move forward.”
For the game, the Stags were out-shot 22-18 and record one fewer corner kick than Stony Brook (5-4). Jenna Pike notched four saves, while the goalkeeping duo of Gallagher and Emily Doherty notched nine saves for the Seawolves.
The Stags will once again return home as they re-open MAAC play with a match against Manhattan on September 30 at 7pm.
