RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team opened up Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play with a 1-1 draw at Manhattan. The Stags out-shot the Jaspers 18-16 in the match, however, Manhattan would hold a 12-7 advantage in shots after halftime.
For the fourth-straight match
Alex Madden touched the back of the net for the Stags (5-2-1, 0-0-1 MAAC) as she opened the scoring in the final minutes of the first half with her conference-leading seventh goal of the season. The goal came off a corner kick as one of the team's best playmakers,
Gabby Diodati sent a corner kick towards the far side of the box. Madden collected the pass and was able to line the ball over the shoulder of the Manhattan goalkeeper to give Fairfield the 1-0 lead. Diodati was credited with the assist, tying her career-high with four assists on the season.
The corner kick was created with high pressure of the Fairfield offense that created 11 shots during the first 45 minutes.
Amy Akerley had one of the best chances for the Stags but her shot hit off the crossbar in the 40th minute and the rebounded attempt by
Alana Leahy was saved by Kelly DiGregorio.
Stephanie Tsangaris' attempt seconds later also required a save from the goalkeeper, setting up the corner kick for the goal.
Manhattan (1-3-2, 0-0-1 MAAC) would attempt 12 shots during the second half and overtime periods and would convert on their second attempt. Gemma Perez connected on a center pass to tie the game at 1-1.
The Stags would collect four shots over the next 11 minutes, but attempts from
Gabby Diodati and
Liz Dumas did not find the back of the net.
Aytana Muschajew made two of her three saves during that span as she stopped consecutive shots from Bri DeLeo and Lindsey Healey.
The Stags were the aggressors in the first overtime period as both of their shots required saves from the goalkeeper. Tsangaris' attempt was turned away in the 92nd minute and Dumas' shot was stopped five minutes later.
The Stags held the offensive advantage with 18 shots and 12 corner kicks compared to Manhattan's 16 attempts on two corners.
Fairfield will turn their attention back to non-conference action when they travel to Colgate on Tuesday at 6pm.
