FAIRFIELD, Conn. – While the score may not reflect it, the Fairfield University men's soccer team was quite active throughout its match with Niagara University on Saturday afternoon. The Stags put 16 shots toward the Niagara goal which came from the feet of 10 different student-athletes, but could not break through as the Purple Eagles came away with a 2-0 win.

Niagara on the other hand managed five shots overall and two on target, both of which found the back of the net. And as one would expect with such a disparity, the home team spent a great deal of time with possession and on the Niagara side of the pitch.

"I think we could have scored a goal early and should have had at least two or three goals based on how we attacked," Head Coach Carl Rees said. "We need to have more composure in the final third. I think created more chances but this sport can be very punishing."

The Stags showed well in the opening with a pair of shots in the first four minutes of the match. William Pierce nearly gave the Stags a quick lead just three minutes in and Alex Marin pushed a shot over the bar in the fourth minute.

Niagara took advantage of its first scoring opportunity in the eighth minute when Lucas Fenton put through a perfect pass that eluded a couple of Fairfield defenders and landed on the foot of Matheus Spina, who accepted the ball in stride and push the ball past the charging goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.

Fairfield continued to press forward and kept the Purple Eagles on their heels but could not find a way to beat goalkeeper Jamie Barry. By the end of the first half, the Stags tripled up their opponent with nine shots to three but still went into the locker room trailing by a goal.

With halftime adjustments in hand, Fairfield continued to bring the ball up and challenge the Niagara back line and goalkeeper, but with help from the midfield, the Purple Eagles were able to stave off the Stags.

Barry needed a career-high nine saves to keep Fairfield off the scoreboard, including a pair in the second half that seemed destined for the goal. The Stags put five shots on goal that required an effort from Barry in a five-minute span, including a header from Dylan Medeiros and a well-placed shot by Thomas Drillien. Both of those shots required full extension by the goalkeeper to keep the shutout in place.

Fairfield now turns its attention to its next game which takes place next Saturday at Canisius University. The Stags and the Griffs will meet for a 1 pm start in Buffalo.