FAIRFIELD, Conn. – On September 19, 1992 the Fairfield University women's soccer program officially kicked off as they played their first-ever game in their history, a 3-0 win at Manhattan. Almost exactly 25 years from that date, the program will celebrate 25 years of success which includes 256 wins, seven MAAC Championships, and countless memories. The Fairfield women's soccer team will welcome back the alumni who have helped build the program and guide it to where it is today in a special halftime ceremony at Lessing Field as the Stags open up their MAAC season against Canisius at 1pm.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The Stags will be well rested as their last match took place almost a week ago, a 3-0 setback to ACC squad Syracuse. Fairfield competed with the Orange for the majority of the afternoon, especially during the first 20 minutes where they held Syracuse on the defensive end for the majority of that span. The Orange were able to weather the Fairfield storm, scoring two goals in the first half and one in the second for the margin of victory. Despite the clean sheet, the Stags showed improvements on the offensive front, connecting on several passes in the final third which accounted eight shots and four on goal.
STAG IN MAAC OPENERS: Even with last year's loss against Niagara in the conference opener, the Stags still hold an incredible 19-3-2 mark during the first MAAC match of the season. Before last year's setback, the Stags had not started 0-1 in conference play since 2005. Fairfield held an 11-game winning streak in MAAC openers to start their program before Manhattan defeated them in 2003. This is the third time that Fairfield and Canisius will open up conference play with Fairfield holding a 2-0 record in those games.
25 YEARS LATER: After that rainy game in 1992, the Stags have enjoyed one of the most dangerous programs in the MAAC during that span with seven MAAC titles, which is the most among active MAAC members (Loyola won 10). During that stretch, the Stags have won 256 matches and scored 887 goals which accounts for many memories. Several alumni will be honored during halftime of Saturday's contest and are also invited to a special brunch before the match.
FAIRFIELD VS CANISIUS: The Stags are 20-4-1 all-time against the Golden Griffs with their last loss coming in 2010. Since that 4-2 setback at home, Fairfield has outscored Canisius 17-3 in the five matches. Brenna Brown leads the Stags with three career goals coming in the series, with one goal last season and two in her rookie campaign. Maggie Walsh, Jenny Jacobs, and Cassidy Boegel also scored in the 4-1 victory last season.
THE GOLDEN GRIFFS SCOUTING REPORT: The Griffs were picked a spot below the Stags at ninth in the MAAC Preseason Poll and hold a 2-4 record going into conference. It's been a tale of two halves for the Griffs who have allowed just one goal in the first half during their first six matches, but 10 in the second half. Freshman Gretta Dry is currently the goal leader for the squad with two, including one in the win against Robert Morris. Junior Maddie Good is tied for second in the conference with her team-high three assists. Alana Rossi is the net minder for the squad and has recorded a 1.71 goals against average in her 526 minutes in goal.
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: The Stags will take another week off before hosting the reigning MAAC Champions Siena on September 24 at 4pm.
