FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's soccer team picked up its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) win tonight, a 2-1 decision over Niagara University at Lessing Field. With the victory, the Stags evened out their conference slate at 1-1 and picked up three critical points in the MAAC standings.

The team earned tonight's win with an all-around effort that featured composure on both ends of the pitch, making game-changing plays inside the offensive third and game-saving plays inside the defensive third. As Head Coach Carl Rees has said in the past, it seems someone different tends to step up each night to have an impact. Tonight, Daniel Raimondo earned that influential moniker.

The junior, who spent most of his time as a back, made the difference up front against Niagara. Coach Rees inserted into the lineup midway through the first half and Raimondo did not disappoint. With six minutes remaining in the half, Raimondo found some open space inside the box after collected the ball about eight yards from goal. He sent a shot into the lower corner of the net which gave the lead to Fairfield in the 39^th minute.

In the second half, Raimondo again answered the call but this time as the playmaker instead of the finisher. He sent a smart pass into the box which found Thomas Drillien who smashed the ball into the far corner to push Fairfield's advantage to 2-0 in the 51^st minute.

"Danny has been playing right back so he has been more defensive oriented but he can do a little bit of both," Coach Rees said. "Probably his strength is in attack and he showed how he can contribute up front tonight."

Niagara pulled closer just 10 minutes later on a nifty play that started with a flick into the box from Goncalo Verissimo which caused some challenges for the Fairfield back line. Jalldrik Dallmann rose up and headed the ball into the far upper corner to bring the score to 2-1 at the 60:25 mark.

Despite holding the one goal lead, Fairfield remained aggressive up front and had several chances to add to their edge but saw shots sail wide and high and away from danger. Niagara also had an excellent opportunity late with a cross to the far post that seemed destined for the head of Dallman. But Colin Marment stepped into the path of the ball and spoiled the chance and cleared the ball to the far sideline.

The Stags ended the game with an 11-6 edge in shots with each goalkeeper being asked to make one save.

"We competed tonight and we rose to the challenge right from the start," Coach Rees said. "I liked the spirit that we showed and the communication on the field. We won our tackles and supported each other when it was needed. They really worked hard so I am pleased overall."

Fairfield will play a pair of road conference games next week beginning with a match against Monmouth University on Wednesday, October 6. The week concludes on Saturday, October 9 when the Stags travel to Siena College.