FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University women's soccer team will return to Lessing Field for the final home stand of the season, starting with a match against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) leading Monmouth on Wednesday at 7pm. Monmouth, who has won three-straight regular season titles, is well on their way to their fourth consecutive as they enter the contest with a perfect 7-0 MAAC record.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Stags dropped another one goal decision with a 1-0 setback against Niagara on the road. Fairfield surrendered the lone goal in the 68th minute on a give-and-go from the Purple Eagles' leading scorer Laura Ortiz. The Stags tried to set an offensive tempo, but was whistled for six offsides, with four of those coming in the first half. Fairfield managed nine shots in the contest, four of those requiring saves from Niagara. Elena Santos had the closest opportunity for the Stags but her header in the 87th minute rang off the post. Megan DeFeo made three saves in net for the away side.
THE MONMOUTH SCOUTING REPORT: The Hawks might be the most dangerous team the Stags have faced this season, entering the contest as the third best scoring offense in the country with 2.73 goals scored per game. Their 41 total goals is one tally behind Furman for the national lead. Madie Gibson and Rachelle Ross lead the squad with eight and seven goals respectively and both forwards have been selected as the MAAC Offensive Players of the Week this season. Freshman Amanda Knaub minds the net for the Hawks and has done enough to merit some votes for the Rookie of the Year in the conference. Knaub is currently ninth in the country with a 0.448 goals against average.
FAIRFIELD VS MONMOUTH: Since the Hawks joined the MAAC, the Stags have not defeated Monmouth, with an 0-4 record during that span. The Stags scored their first goal in those four contests in a 2-1 decision last season with Cassidy Boegel tallying the goal in the 23rd minute. The two teams combined for 31 shots in the game, with seven of those needing stops from the Monmouth keeper. Fairfield's last win in the series came in 1997, a 4-0 victory at Lessing Field.
TICKET INFORMATION: To efficiently enter Lessing Field, individual game tickets can now be purchased and printed in advance through www.fairfield.edu/stagstickets. All tickets either printed or displayed on your mobile phone will be scanned at the ticket gate on game day. General admission tickets are $5, seniors and children 12 and under are $3. For customer service please email stagstickets@fairfied.edu or call 203-254-4136.
UP NEXT: Fairfield will wrap up their 2016 home schedule when they welcome the Rider Broncs during Alumni and Family weekend on Saturday at 1pm. Before the contest, the program will recognize the six-member senior class on their Senior Day.
