FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sometimes it's funny how things just work out. On a night where the Fairfield University soccer team honored its seniors and graduate students, it should only follow that the Class of 2024 had such a big role in tonight's 1-0 victory over Iona University, giving Head Coach Carl Rees his 250th career win. The decision also knocked the Gaels from the unbeaten ranks in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play.

Graudate student Daniel Raimondo and senior Alex Marin hooked up on a highlight-worthy goal that provided the winning margin while senior goalkeeper James Anderson came in off the bench following an injury to starter Victor Nikolov to make several saves to keep Iona's offense, which features the nation's leading scorer in Camil Azzam Ruiz, off the scoreboard for the first time since September 2.

"James played well because changing out the keeper tonight was not just a sub," Coach Rees said. "It's highly emotional especially with the nature of the game and the high tension situation. Danny came off the bench to give us that huge assist and it was a difficult finish because Alex still had to get there and finish from a tight angle."

Both team had ample opportunities throughout the first half but most of the attempts came from a distance usually at the top of the box or beyond. But when either side was able to bring the ball closer to the goal, the back line stepped up or a goalkeeper save kept the game scoreless.

That changed with under five minutes remaining in the first half when Raimondo, who had entered the game just minutes before, controlled the ball near midfield before bringing the ball a few yards and releasing a long cross toward the far post. Marin used a perfectly timed run to catch the ball as it landed and sent the ball back to the other post, catching the corner and putting Fairfield in front at 1-0 in the 41st minute. It was the first goal Iona allowed since its 5-3 win over Rider on October 11 three games ago.

Azzam Ruiz began to take the matter onto his own feet, taking four shots over the final four minutes of the half. Two shots were off target while the other two required some heroics from Anderson who made two saves close to goal and keep the shutout in place.

The second half was not much different as Iona pushed forward aggressively while the Stags back line was joined by a couple of their teammates to keep the Gaels from getting to close to goal. The result was several shots from distance that never tested Anderson. The Stags countered several times during Iona's push forward, including one from Raimondo that required some effort from Iona goalkeeper Nacho Alfaro Monge.

"We took our chances when it came about and I think we had more chances tonight,"  Coach Rees said. "We had great defensive fortitude tonight and great leadership from the seniors and the graduates. This came about because of a strong showing of character which we have exhibited all season. We deserved it tonight."

The Stags will return to the pitch on Wednesday afternoon when the team travels to Jersey City for match up with Saint Peter's University. Game time is 2 pm.a