NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -- Matt
McGlinchey's goal in the first overtime sent the Fairfield University men's soccer team to its third victory in extra time this season with a 2-1 win over
Niagara University. The decision earned three points in the standings for the Stags, which coupled with ties by Rider and
Canisius, sent the team into a first-place tie with Rider in the
current Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings. Fairfield and Rider will meet on Wednesday night at Lessing Field in the final regular-season game of the season.
"In all honesty, I did not feel we were at our best but we rose to the occasion again," Head Coach
Carl Rees said. "It is typical at this time of year when pressure comes into play that teams will crack. But this team has come through again in the clutch by winning tonight."
It appeared as though Fairfield would not need any extra time to post its
10th win of the season tonight. The Stags would score first in this game, a trait which has not come often as of late for the team. The visitors were awarded a penalty kick in the
13th minute of play, and Rees sent Ben
Wignall to the spot. The senior showed no
hesitation and efficiently completed the scoring chance with a shot into the corner of the goal.
One goal has been enough in recent weeks with
Fairfield defeating Saint Peter's, Marist, and Manhattan by a 1-0 score during conference play. And
Wignall's goal nearly was enough on Saturday night, but the Purple Eagles managed to tie the score with less than three minutes left in regulation. Konrad
Zydowicz converted a header off a free kick with time nearly expired, essentially sending the game into overtime.
The Stags were responsible for the only two shots in the first overtime. The initial shot came off the foot of
Eirik Anderson who sent an attempt toward goal that forced goalkeeper Joel
Gerberich to make a save. But the Stags would follow three minutes later with a shot that
Gerberich was not able to turn away as
McGlinchey released an attempt from outside the box.Â
"I am delighted for Matt to grab the winner," Rees said. "He has been quality all season long for us."
Now the Stags will place their focus on the final game of the regular season, holding their destiny in their own hands. Fairfield and Rider are currently tied for the top spot in the standings with 20 points.
Canisius and Manhattan, who play each other on Wednesday night in Buffalo, are right behind those teams with 18 points, giving them hope as well for the a shot at the
MAAC regular-season title.Â
