FAIRFIELD, Conn. – In need of a win to remain relevant in the race for a spot in the next month's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament, Head Coach Carl Rees' message was simple to his team. Tonight's game was about character and showing the resolve that was necessary to get three precious points in the standings by beating Siena.

                The message was not only received by carried out by the collective as the men's soccer team came away with an impressive 3-0 win over the Saints, sending Fairfield ahead of tonight's opponent in the standings and one spot closer to earning a spot in the tournament. Being on the outside looking in at this point of the season is something new for the Stags after winning the regular-season title in each of the last two seasons.

                "We have spent our time in the sunshine and now we have to cope with having our backs against the wall," Coach Rees said. "We find ourselves in a position we are not familiar and now we have to overcome this type of challenge."

                The Stags showed the character and that they would be able to cope with this unfamiliar territory. Fairfield put together its third three-goal performance against a MAAC foe in seven matches this season and first since its 3-1 win over Monmouth on October 19.

                Siena put forth a good start to the game by earning two shots, the second of which required a save from Gordon Botterill, and a corner kick in just the first 60 seconds of play. After weathering that attack, Fairfield turned the momentum in its favor with aggressive play, especially from sophomore Jonathan Filipe.

                The forward applied pressure with three shots in just over two minutes, two of which forced Siena goalkeeper Greg Monroe to make a save. Fairfield would add five more shots over the next 13 minutes, keeping Siena back in its defensive third without any real ability to move the ball forward or counter.

                Despite the Stags strong play up front, the Saints were able to keep Fairfield off the scoreboard. The home team began to find its footing once again and was able to create some opportunities, including setting up five corner kicks in a five-minute stretch. The final set piece was taken by senior Diallo Simon-Ponte who sent a perfect cross into the center of the box. Classmate Marcus Nordgard rose above two defenders and sent the ball into the back of the net with a header, giving the lead to Fairfield with 1:48 left in the half.

                "This is a determined group which could have easily become a frustrated group," Rees said. "Getting the goal before the half was a lift for us. Scoring off set pieces was an area where we excelled last year so it was good to get one off the corner. I was really happy to see Marcus get one on senior night which was set up by Diallo."

                Even though Siena has some time to recover when the half ended, Fairfield regained its grip on this match with a penalty kick goal from Matt McGlinchey just 35 seconds into the second half. The goal forced the visitors to press further but those opportunities were rare as the Stags continued its assault up front, eventually ending the second half with 12 shots.

                Fairfield put the game away in the 73rd minute with some brilliance between Santiago Gonzalez and Jonathan Filipe. Gonzalez found room about 20 yards from goal and led Filipe by sliding a pass diagonally toward the left post. Filipe ran down the pass and curled a shot past the goalkeeper and just inside the far post to push the score to 3-0.

                The Stags now focus on their next game, a Wednesday afternoon date with Canisius College as Lessing Field. Fairfield needs another three points to continue its ascent into the top six and toward a playoff spot. The game represents the final home game of the 2019 campaign and is scheduled for a 4 pm start.