FAIRFIELD, Conn. – A strong second-half effort produced good movement and several quality attacks but the end result was a 1-0 setback for the Fairfield University men's soccer team at Lessing Field against Bryant University on Sunday night.

Fairfield goalkeeper James Anderson provided a high-energy effort which kept the Stags close and in contention throughout the evening. The senior made seven saves and allowed only one early goal over his 90 minutes of work, many of which required full extension. In his two starts this season, Anderson own a solid .714 save percentage courtesy of his 10 saves to date.

Bryant tested the Stags back line on several occasions but the unit managed to keep the Bulldogs at a distance with the exception of the visitor's early goal that was the difference tonight. In the ninth minute, Bryant took advantage of an acrobatic play by Adrian Camacho, who sent the ball deep into the Stags defensive third with an overhead kick. Marc Pitarch Bayot was able to run the ball down and slide a shot past the goalkeeper at the 8:29 mark of the first half.

The Stags also had their share of opportunities in those opening 10 minutes, beginning with Sam Danner's shot at the top of the box that was deflected by a defender before it reached the goal. Raz Amir also made some work for the Bryant back line with a shot that necessitated a save from Antreas Hadjigavriel in the 10^th minute. Still, the Bulldogs were able to keep their one-goal intact and went into the locker room with the 1-0 lead, outshooting the Stags by a 9-4 count.

Fairfield moved the ball more freely in the second half, creating space for a few attacks but the attempts were thwarted by the back line as well as Hadjigavriel, who came off his line often to collect crosses that may have led to more dangerous chances.

Still, the home side was able to produce some creativity late in the game with a near chance in the 75^th minute. Newcomer Jordon May found an opening at the top of the box about 20 yards from goal and sent the ball toward goal which beat the goalkeeper but the shot just eluded the upper right corner.

"I was disappointed with the intensity level in the first half but the second half was a big improvement," Head Coach Carl Rees said. "James made some big saves for us while Will (Pierce) kept nice and showed some industry in the midfield. We need to work on end product in the final third by creating clear cut goal scoring chances."

Fairfield returns to action with a pair of road games next week, beginning with Brown University on September 4 followed by a September 9 match at Colgate University. The Stags return to Lessing Field next when they host LIU on September 13 at 7 pm.