FAIRFIELD, Conn. – With the non-conference slate tucked away for another season, the Fairfield University men's soccer team will turn its focus on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) going forward. The Stags open up MAAC play on Wednesday, September 29 with a road match against Saint Peter's University. The game will start at 2 pm and be broadcast on ESPN+.

Fairfield split a pair of dates in Jersey City a year ago, falling in the regular season by a 4-3 count before advancing in the MAAC Championship with a 1-0 quarterfinal victory. The two teams have played a stories series that often brings them together for meaningful matches and this one will be vital for a strong start to the 2021 conference season.

Head Coach Carl Rees saw a strong effort in the team's last outing, a 1-0 battle with the University of Hartford at Lessing Field. Fairfield dominated for most of the contest but found the back of the net just once off Jonathan Filipe's third goal of the season. The Stags received another quality performance by the defensive unit with goalkeeper James Anderson picking up his first collegiate shutout after facing seven shots from the Hawks.

Anderson continues to emerge as the primary keeper for the Stags, starting the last four games. The sophomore owns a 1.29 goals against average with nine saves in four appearances. Up front, Filipe holds the top spot on the statistics sheet with eight points, registering three goals and two assists which are both team highs. Sophomore Thomas Drillien is next on the sheet with two goals and four points, both of his goals coming in the Army match.

Saint Peter's enters this game with a 2-5 overall record with both victories coming at Jaroschak Field. The Peacocks edged Bucknell in overtime (2-1) and Sacred Heart (2-0) at home. The team dropped a 3-1 decision to Lafayette in its last game as Matt Ellis converted a pass from Matt Hoyt to record his first goal of the season. Wednesday's match up with Fairfield represents the third straight home game for Saint Peter's and the fourth overall for the team.

Jamie Davis has been the heart of the Saint Peter's offense with his two goals and five assists for nine points. He is the MAAC co-leader in assists and places second in the conference for total points. Fairfield's Filipe is third in the MAAC with his eight points. Tom Climpson (two goals, one assist) and Hoyt (two goals) also have multiple goals this season. In goal, Guillem Badenes Mecho has the most time played with 518 minutes, leading to 2.78 goals against average with a .600 save percentage (24 saves).

Fairfield opens the home portion of its MAAC slate by hosting Niagara University on Saturday, October 2. The game will feature a ceremony to honor former Fairfield goalkeeper Matt Turner, who has continued his soccer career with the New England Revolution and the U.S. National Soccer Team. After the game, Turner will autographs for youth fans on a free Fairfield Soccer poster.

Tickets for the match are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX. Lessing Field is a "preferred cashless" venue; all fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance or to pay via credit card at the gate. Current Fairfield students can claim their free tickets via the Super Stags app.