BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Fairfield University men's soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to five games with tonight's 0-0 draw at Lehigh University. The result was the second time that the Stags played to a scoreless draw during its current streak, also playing nationally-ranked UConn to the same result on September 24.

The Stags were more of the aggressor in the opening minutes of the match beginning with William Pierce's first shot just a minute into the game. The junior found some open space about 20 yards from goal at the top of the box and put a shot toward the right corner. Goalkeeper Ryan Gross handled the attempt, the first of his three saves on the night. Lehigh was kept in check mainly because the Stags were on the offensive for the first 15 minutes although the Mountain Hawks did maneuver into the Fairfield box to set up a shot from Yusef Gueye that was handled by Fairfield goalkeeper Viktor Nikolov.

Each team would put one more shot on goal, beginning with Kris Naicker's run in the 25th minute but Gross was able to handle the ball without any further damage. Lehigh picked up its second shot on goal in the 35th minute as Bora Turker placed a shot to lower corner that Nikolov was able to collect a few yards in front of the goal. By the end of the first half, both teams took five shots and both goalkeepers made a pair of saves.

The second half was more active with both teams working more possession at the start. The two teams combined for eight shots over the first 15 minutes of the half with Lehigh holding a slight 5-3 edge with 30 minutes remaining in the match. Thomas Robertson created two of those scoring chances for Lehigh while Pierce was at hand for two of Fairfield's three shots over the stretch. Nikolov was most active in the Fairfield goal over a 10-minute span that started in the 60th minute. The junior made all three of his saves during that stretch, the last of which came in the 70th minute. 

After Nikolov's last save, the Fairfield back line took command in the defensive third and surrendered just two more shots over the final 20 minutes and allowed no chances over the final eight minutes of play. The Stags had a late threat in the 81st minute when Kaea Ringihaeata sent a shot on goal but was turned away by Gross' final save of the evening. Fairfield earned a pair of corner kicks in the closing minutes but was unable to create any scoring opportunities off the set pieces.

The Fairfield University men's soccer team returns to the pitch on Saturday, hosting Rider University at Lessing Field. The match is slated for a 7 pm start.