LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- The Fairfield University men's soccer created chances and produced opportunities throughout the game but was unable to add to an early 1-0 lead, eventually falling to Siena College on the road by a 2-1 score. 

The Stags were able to establish early success offensively, challenging the Siena defense by pushing forward and crisp ball movement that presented some early problems for the Saints' back line. The pressure paid off early for Fairfield as a Siena defender sent a ball across the box hoping to connect with a teammate. Instead, the pace of the pass was not enough and allowed Thomas Drillien to pounce on the pass and move in on the goalkeeper. With the goalkeeper forced off his line, Drillien was able to catch the corner just inside the left post to put Fairfield in front 1-0 just four minutes into the match. The goal was his fourth of the season and his third in as many matches.

Fairfield looked as though it would add on to that advantage as it continued to keep the ball active in the Siena side of the pitch. On the Stags' first corner of the match, the ball seemed destined for the goal when Cody Read put a head on the cross and sent it toward the far corner. Goalkeeper Bennet Glinder was able to make the initial save but the rebound caromed back to William Pierce. The sophomore hit a shot that just went wide of the near post to keep the lead at one goal.

The Stags also were positioned for a second goal in the 33rd minute when Alex Marin found free space on the left side of the box and accepted a pass in stride that sent him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He pushed a shot toward the far post that skipped just wide and resulted in a goal kick for the Saints.

Siena tied the game with under four minutes remaining in the first half when Bilal Hersi sent the ball into the box but an misplayed clear attempt by a Fairfield defender resulted in the ball deflecting into the back of the net.

The Saints took the lead in the 58th minute off a set piece, a corner kick that sent the ball into the center of the box. After the ball was exchanged a couple of times between the Siena forwards and the Fairfield backs, Hersi found himself open a few feet from goal. He was able to collect the loose ball with his back to goal, but turned and released a shot just inside the post to push the home team in front for the first time at 2-1.

Kris Naicker became involved in the offensive third later in the half and was able to sift through the Siena defense to account for a couple of shots. The first attempt came just after Siena's second goal but Glinder was able to collect the effort without any further danger. Naicker once again found open space about 20 yards from goal and sent a shot toward the center of the net which was scooped up and cleared before any further damage could occur.

The Stags will return home for a Saturday night match with Iona University with the Fairfield senior class being honored before the start. The match is scheduled for 7 pm at Lessing Field.