FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's soccer team closed out the home portion of its 2022 non-conference schedule with perhaps its best performance to date, scoring two second-half goals to edge Princeton University by a 3-1 score at Lessing Field.

It was another solid performance from all areas on the pitch from strong counters up front, collective control in the midfield, and persistence from the back four and goalkeeper that combined for an impressive win against the defending Ivy League champions.

"We knew this was going to be one of our toughest challenges this season," Head Coach Carl Rees said. "The coaches challenged everyone to raise their collective game tonight. It was a big effort from everyone and great reward for their efforts."

The game feature momentum shifts in favor of both teams with each back line showing the resiliency to be successful in most instances. However, each team did surrender an own goal that were created by unlucky bounces off a defender.

Fairfield benefitted from the first miscue when Viggo Sjoberg sent a free kick into the box that was directed to the far post. Thomas Drillien made a move toward the ball but a Princeton defender tried to screen him off. In the process of screening, the ball landed at the defender's feet and bounced off his leg into the back of the net in the 27^th minute.

The Stags showed good form to keep that goal as a factor until Princeton also scored off a misplayed ball off Fairfield defender. The ball was sent from 25 yards into the center of the box where the ball was mishit off a header that ended up touching the cross bar and ricocheting into the goal with 31 minutes remaining in the match.

Princeton continued to push forward looking to get the go-ahead goal which offered Fairfield ample opportunities off the counter to try and take the lead. At the heart of those runs was Rasmus Sorensen-Rejnhold who in front on many of those opportunities. The sophomore finally broke through after Sjoberg sent another perfectly timed ball into the box, allowing Sorenesen-Rejnhold to rise above his defender and redirect the ball into the corner of the goal.

The Stags were able to put the game away in the 77^th minute with another smart play that was directed off another counter. With Princeton sending everyone up for a free kick opportunity, Fairfield broke free courtesy of quick movement by Raz Amir. The forward streaked down the left channel and sent a cross into the center of the box where Drillien was waiting for a quick release that beat the goalkeeper low and wide.

With Princeton's consistent second-half pressure, the Stags turned to its depth to help stave off dangerous situations that resulted from the attack. The reserves stepped into the mix and made contributions, led by Joseph Lozowski, Jack Weiss, and Kaea Rangihaeata. Lozowski spent the most time on the pitch with 61 minutes of work, a performance that was not lost on Coach Rees.

"Joey Lozowski in terms of being an MVP utility man is just a soldier for us," Coach Rees said. "He came on the field to help us on the left side in the midfield and then moved over to help us as a right back. He put his shift in and he epitomized the collective performance. There were times where we had to soak up pressure, other times when we needed to counter, and other times when we had to hold the ball. We just continue to learn and make adjustments so we are ready when the conference season begins"

The Stags will play one more non-conference game, a road trip to Harvard University next Saturday, before opening Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play for its next home game against Mount St. Mary's. The two teams will clash on September 28 at Lessing Field beginning at 7 pm.