FAIRFIELD, Conn. – In the final non-conference game of the season, the Fairfield University men's soccer team shined with a 1-0 decision over the University of Hartford at Lessing Field. The Stags played a well-executed match on both sides of the pitch, challenging offensively and frustrating defensively against a well-rounded side in Hartford.

While the scoreboard only showed one goal, Fairfield had the better opportunities through the first 75 minutes of the game before Hartford pushed forward in an effort to find the equalizer. The Stags owned a 12-1 edge in shots through those 75 minutes before Hartford secured six shots down the stretch. Despite the high number of chances, Fairfield's defense kept the ball away from danger for the most part by blocking shots and forcing errant attempts.

The home team scored all it would need on this night when Alex Oliveira, who was a handful for most of the match, was pulled down on the right side of the box as he tried to advance the ball to the center. Jonathan Filipe received the nod from Head Coach Carl Rees and the senior converted the penalty kick, his third such conversion this season.

Fairfield was not satisfied with its slim margin and continued to press forward with crisp passing and genuine technique that resulted in offensive opportunity. Unfortunately, the Stags had several shots sail upon release which resulted in an untested Hartford goalkeeper in the first half. After the first 45 minutes, Fairfield was responsible for nine of the 10 shots taken with two of its attempts on target.

The second half was equally agreeable for the Stags as they picked up the same intensity and used it to squeeze Hartford on its side of the pitch for a majority of the time. Thomas Drillien was disruptive upfront and spent a good part of the night testing the Hartford back line, ending the match with four shots. Oliveira also caused concern in the final third with his four shots. While the duo was on the finishing end, the Stags received strong play from Santiago Gonzalez who distributed the ball well and handled his defensive assignments with confidence.

"I think Santiago was a standout performer tonight," Coach Rees said. "Tonight, could be his best game since he has been here. He has worked very hard on his movements off the ball and making himself available. He is dynamite in tight spaces and finds those little pockets of influence so he can work his magic. His work defensively was also first class tonight."

As the time ticked down, Hartford began to find its way in more advantageous positions by pressing forward and sending multiple players inside the box. Addrian Knights-Browne provided the usual concern for the opposing defense with a pair of shots as did Jordon May, who just missed a tying goal late with a shot that just cleared the cross bar in the final minutes.

When tested, goalkeeper James Anderson shined with an aggressive approach that often thwarted any dangerous situation, coming off his line on several occasions to keep things settled. The sophomore made one save late in the game and secured his first shutout.

Fairfield will take its experience from a tough non-conference schedule and build on it when it begins Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play next Wednesday with a trip to Saint Peter's University, an afternoon match in Jersey City.

"We play a tough out of conference schedule for a reason," Coach Rees said. "We have learned a lot and we are starting to eradicate some of the mistakes we made in previous games that good teams will use to punish you. Tonight was a good effort by our defensive collective and that goes from the back to the front."

Fairfield next home game is scheduled for Saturday, October 2 when the Stags host Niagara University at Lessing Field. Game time is 7 pm.