POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team played to a draw in their 2021 MAAC opener, fighting Marist to a 1-1 tie on the road.
Stephanie Tsangaris scored the game-tying goal just four minutes into the second half and the Fairfield defense kept the game tied, earning a point in the standings. The draw also extended Fairfield's unbeaten streak to six-straight matches, dating back to August 27.
"It was a tough game against a gritty league opponent," Head Coach
David Barrett said. "We will learn from the result and hope to do better next week."
After surrendering a goal in the final minutes of the first half, the Stags rallied early in the second frame.
Reagan Klarmann sent a shot to the top corner of the goal that was initially hit away by the goalkeeper, but right to Tsangaris who finished off the rebound for the equalizer.
The Stags made their opportunities to find the second goal, taking eight shots in the remainder of regulation. Four of those shots required saves from Marist goalkeeper Natalie Kelchner. Freshman Klarmann helped press the offensive tempo for the Stags, creating three chances in the second half, with all of them on target. Klarmann and
Elle Scott combined for 13 shots and eight shots on goal with Scott taking a career-high seven shots.
The action in overtime started right from the whistle as Fairfield goalkeeper
Gena Pike kicked away a point blank shot just 30 seconds into the overtime period.
Scott was the focal point for the Stags offensively in the second overtime period with three shots on goal. Kelchner was able to get her body in front of a hard strike by Scott for her third save in a five minute span. Scott was also able to get the ball on her left foot in front of the goal, but her strike was just blocked away by the defense.
Marist would have the final chance of the game with a shot that was saved by Pike with just 30 seconds remaining, leading to a corner kick.
Fairfield out-shot the Red Foxes 21-14 including a 16-10 advantage in the final 65 minutes. Six different Stags registered shots for the Stags.
Two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Week,
Gena Pike registered six saves for the Stags while Kelchner stopped 10 shots. The Stags also had 11 corner kicks compared to nine for Marist.
The Stags' six match unbeaten streak is the longest for the Stags since 2014 (Aug. 29 – Sept. 14).
Fairfield is back in action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Rider at Lessing Field at 1pm.
