LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team kept their second place position in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) as they earned their 16th conference point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Rider. With the tie, the Stags stay two points ahead of the Broncs as they fight for a first round bye in the upcoming MAAC Tournament.
"It was a hard fought point on the road," Head Coach
David Barrett said. "We dug ourselves out of a hole twice which showed great resolve on our part. I'm proud of the effort even though we didn't find that third goal."
The Stags (8-4-3, 5-1-1 MAAC) had to fight back on two different occasions after surrendering a pair of goals to the Broncs. The first goal on the game's first corner as Fairfield was able to get the initial shot from crossing the line,. But Rider's Emily Curteis was able to line the rebound from the top of the box to give Rider a 1-0 lead. It marked just the second time this conference season where they Stags trailed.
Fairfield was afforded a little bit of luck to begin the second half as they were able to tie the game on a Rider own goal.
Kelsey Gilbert dribbled the ball down the far side and sent a cross into the box that hit off a Bronc defender and knotted the game at 1-1.
The Stags fell behind after a Valeria Pascuet penalty kick goal in the 58th minute but once again was able to find the equalizer. With 20 minutes left,
Brooke Hernon sent a free kick towards the box where
Jenn Wahlig was able to rise over the defense and get a head on the service to put in the back of the net. It marked the second goal of the season for Wahlig and the fourth assist for Hernon.
Fairfield would have more chances to find the third goal, taking the nest three shots of the game but all of those attempts were off target.
Stephanie Tsangaris vied for the game-winner in the final minutes, but her shot was saved by the MAAC save leader Carmen Carbonell.
Liz Dumas had the final attempt in regulation but her shot sailed high with 30 seconds left.
Fairfield took all three shots in the two overtime periods with both of Dumas' attempts needing a save from the goalkeeper.
The Stags out-shot the Broncs 21-8, the fourth time they have held an opponent to fewer than 10 shots this season. Fairfield also had an 8-4 advantage in corners and a 10-4 edge with shots on goal.
The Stags will now head home to Lessing Field for the final time during the regular season when they host Iona on Wednesday night at 7pm on Senior Day. Before the match, the Class of 2020 will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
