BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Fairfield University women's soccer team limited the Canisius Golden Griffins to one shot over the first 50 minutes of play, but it was a penalty shot in the 51st minute that basically decided the contest as the Stags fell 2-0 to host Canisius. Paige Buscaglia was the Griff who converted the penalty kick, and also scored the second goal in the final minute in regulation.
Megan DeFeo nearly saved the penalty kick for the Stags (4-7, 2-3 MAAC), as she got her hand on Buscaglia's attempt, but the ball would hit off the side of her fingers and find the far side of the goal.
The penalty kick was the only real opportunity the Griffs (6-5-1, 1-3-1 MAAC) would have until Buscaglia's long range shot in the final minute. The Stags started out the contest with an offensive pressure that would lead them to out-shoot Canisius 5-1 in the first half, a stretch where they dominated the time of possession.
Sophomore
Melanie Hingher was the focus of the best offensive chances in the match for the Stags. The defender sent a long bouncing ball from the Stags defensive end, which would reach the goal area. Canisius goalkeeper Alana Rossi was forced to tip the bouncing ball over the crossbar. Hingher kept the ball away from the keeper on her second shot, as her diving header off a set piece hit the side of the post and was cleared to keep the Stags off the scoring column.
The Stags limited Canisius to eight shots, the third lowest number for a Fairfield opponent. The low number of shots is a direct result of the play of the backline, which kept Canisius quiet. In one instance,
Katherine Lynch chased down a striker entering the middle of the box which stopped the counter attack.
The Griffs would seal the win after Buscaglia notched the second goal off a strike from over 20-yards out.
Buscaglia led the Griffs with three shots in the game, tying
Liz Dumas for the match high.
The Stags will return home to face the other conference school in Western New York, when they welcome Niagara to Lessing Field on Saturday, October 7 at noon.
