POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- It's a combination that has proven successful for the Fairfield University men's soccer team in the past. And tonight, it was a combination that provided the winning margin as the Stags posted a 1-0 win over Marist College.
"A tremendous effort again on both sides of the ball," Head Coach
Carl Rees said. "The players refused to lose and their focus and commitment was outstanding. I really can't speak highly enough about the character and determination of our group."
Freshman
Matt McGlinchey sent a corner kick into the box near the far post where senior
Angus Hastings timed a run that ended with a header that pushed the ball to the back of the net. The duo also worked together in Fairfield's last game, an overtime setback to Canisius at home. McGlinchey started that scoring chance with a corner kick which Hastings finished to the far post which gave the team a 2-1 lead at the time.But on this evening, the duo was responsible for one of the team's five shots in the game, three of which were on target.
"
Angus Hastings again grabs the headlines for his game winner from another excellent delivery from
Matt McGlinchey," Rees added. "I give a lot of credit to the group especially our defense. Jon Uy was magnificient and also
Charlie Reed and
Daniel Bjoerck for anchoring us defensively."
The Red Foxes registered 12 shots toward the Fairfield goal, six in each half, but only three were on goal. And, freshman goalkeeper
Gordon Botterill was ready for two of those attempts, picking up two saves in his 90 minutes of work. He earned his third shutout in seven starts this season, two of which have come on the road. All three of those clean sheets have come over the last four matches.
The Red Foxes nearly posted the tying goal in the second half, the first of which was cleared off the line by a Stags defender that kept Fairfield in the lead. Later in the half, Marist created another scoring opportunity that ended up hitting the crossbar and deflecting from danger.
Fairfield will return to action on Saturday night when the Stags host Siena College at Lessing Field. The game is scheduled for 7 pm.
