HAMDEN, Conn. -- After the first two games of the 2018 season, Head Coach
Carl Rees spoke about the learning process for his young team, and the natural progression that follows as the group becomes more experienced. Today, the progression seemed nearly complete as the Fairfield University men's soccer team posted its first win of the season with a 2-1 decision over Yale University. The match was played at Quinnipiac University.
"We are still learning as we go and are still a work in progress," Coach Rees said. "Even during today's game, we were learning. And part of the learning process is recognizing that these are precious moments and if we come out flat, then we are missing an opportunity. I think there was more urgency, more power, and, more commitment, to the second half. It's difficult to get to a win when they haven't been in that position. After today's result, they know how to get there. They now know how to come from behind to win, they know that they can hold to a win and that they can win in 90 minutes. All these things are the first time ever for this group and that is part of the progression for this team."
This game included contributions from the newcomers and the veterans as the Stags fell behind for the third time this season. Yale applied pressure through most of the first half with Fairfield affording itself a few counter opportunities that resulted in scoring chances. Yale was able to calculate more dangerous situations that required strong play from goalkeeper
Gordon Botterill. The sophomore posted three saves in the first 45 minutes, facing four shots on that were on target.
The one shot that he was unable to turn away came in the 37th minute when a long entry pass into the box over shot the Stags defense and allowed Paolo Carroll to break through for a one-on-one chance against Botterill. While the goalkeeper came off his line to cut down the angle, Carroll was able to push the ball past the oncoming Botterill and into the lower right corner for a one-goal lead.
But as he has done all season, Coach Rees made a few halftime adjustments which paid off once again for the Stags. All three of the team's goals have come in the second half and 10 of the team's 13 shots also followed halftime. After seeing so much progress in the two previous games, Fairfield's learning process came to full fruition with a pair of goals that decided this game.
The game was tied midway through the second half when
Matt McGlinchey, who was among the team's leaders in assists last season, carried over his knack for finding open teammates in the box. The sophomore sent a brilliant ball into the box which allowed
Jonathan Filipe to rise over his defender and flick the ball toward goal with a header, sending the ball into the lower left corner of the goal.
The Stags had a pair of scoring chances that could have put the team in the lead with the best chance coming after Filipe sent a precision pass toward the far post where
Diego Casielles was stationed. The senior put his head on the ball but saw the shot rise just over the cross bar to keep the game tied. Casielles would get another chance with nine minutes remaining in regulation, but this time he was able to complete the chance.
Daniel Bjorck pushed forward from his defensive position to find space at the top of the box. The defender sent the ball into the box where Casielles was waiting for the ball and quickly sent a shot to the lower right corner that gave Fairfield its first lead of the young season. Yale pushed everyone forward for the minutes of the game but the Stags defense was quite adept at keeping Yale away from the goal.
Botterill finished the match with six saves, picking up another three stops in the second half. Elian Haddock faced seven Fairfield shots but did not make a save in the outing.
The Stags have a few days to prepare for a two-game road trip as part of the UNCW Springhill Suites Classic in Wilmington, N.C. Fairfield opens the tournament against the host team on Friday night beginning at 7:30 pm and finishes with Charleston on Sunday beginning at noon.
