FAIRFIELD, Conn. – It's all about the options.

And, Head Coach Carl Rees has his share of options with the 2022 Fairfield University men's soccer team. Whether it be options up front in the offensive third or off the bench with a group that can impact the game anywhere on the pitch. Tonight, it was that collective effort that the Stags to a 1-0 win over UAlbany, the team's second straight clean sheet.

The Stags were aggressive from outset, pushing forward and making UAlbany establish a defensive foothold in order to turn away the attack. Fairfield took three shots in the opening minutes, the first two coming from Alex Salt. The second of the newcomer's attempts forced the goalkeeper to make a save to keep the game scoreless.

In the 27^th minute, the Great Danes started to pull out of their defensive mode and show offensive progress. Jeff Theilmann was the first visiting player to make a run at the goal but his shot was blocked which set up a corner kick. Five minutes later, Pantelis Panteli challenged Fairfield goalkeeper James Anderson but the sophomore was equal to the task as he had been in the team's 1-0 win over Navy last weekend.

UAlbany would continue to put pressure on the Fairfield goalkeeper, creating two opportunities in the 41^st and 43^rd minutes that required Anderson to fully extend to keep the ball out of the Stags' goal. By the end of the half, the Great Danes held an 8-4 edge in shots with half of those requiring some sort of action from the goalkeeper.

As it had in the first half, Fairfield turned up its pressure which created the team's best scoring opportunity. On a play started by Kaea Rangihaeata around midfield, Raz Amir worked some magic along the center of the pitch that ended with a through ball that was collected by Rasmus Sorensen-Rejnhold. The forward sprinted toward goal and sent a shot that beat the goalkeeper to the far corner in the 52^nd minute, producing the game-deciding goal.

"It's nice to have a gazelle up front like Rasmus," Coach Rees said. "Amir has contributed in every game this season including the preseason. We have options now up front and off the bench."

With a lead in hand, the Stags defense frustrated UAlbany despite the Great Danes making run after run toward the Fairfield goal. Each time, Fairfield's back line was able to hold its place and not allow too many dangerous chances to the visiting team.

"Albany is a quick passing, slick team when they get on the ball and I think we coped with that with our overall defensive shape," Coach Rees said. "We need tweaking at halftime and we stood firm down the stretch."

More importantly, the back-to-back wins after a season opening loss has shown Coach Rees what has and what he has is what he likes.

"It's a good group and their spirit is strong," Coach Rees said. "They showed a lot of character and camaraderie. It was hard work out there and they responded."

The Stags return to the pitch on Wednesday, September 7 when they host Colgate University at Lessing Field. The game is scheduled to start at 7 pm.