LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – One moment changed the entire complexion of the match and unfortunately for the Fairfield University Women's Soccer team, who dominated throughout the contest, it went against them. Iona's Marissa Dundas got free in the box and struck a right footed shot by the goalkeeper to tie the match at 1-1 with 9:19 left in the match. That goal would force overtime and eventually lead the Stags to be eliminated from the 2017 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships on penalty kicks.
 
Throughout the match, the Stags (6-9-2) dominated offensively, especially in the first half where they maintained possession in their attacking half. The first 45 minutes was arguably the most creative halves the Stags have played this season, as they were able to play their style of soccer by creating offense from the back and lead to through balls.
 
Alex Madden was the focal point in the first period, with both of her attempts on goal. Her second opportunity was the highlight for the Stags when fellow freshman Gabby Diodati sent a cross into the box where Madden was able to strike the shot inside the left post. That score was the seventh of the year for the freshman, marking the most goals by a Fairfield freshman since Nicole Cavallaro also netted seven goals in 2007.
 
While the Stags were able to create all the offense today, that led to a few problems. Fairfield was whistled for a season-high 11 offsides violations, which limited the squad to just seven shots, although they had the majority of opportunities.
 
The second half was played a little more evenly as Iona was able to get more chances. Their biggest and most opportune chance came in the 81st minute when Dundas tied the match up.
 
In overtime, neither team was able to get a shot on target, with the Gaels narrowly out-shooting the Stags 2-1, which brought penalty kicks. In the shootout, Melanie Hingher, Holly Habyan, Gabby Diodati, and Jenn Wahlig were able to convert their shots, but Iona goalkeeper Tiffany Martinez was able to stop the third shot and the Gaels defeated the Stags 5-4 in penalty kicks.
 
The setback puts an end to the 2017 campaign as the Stags will finish with a 6-9-2 record.