FAIRFIELD, Conn. – An errant bounce separated the Fairfield University men's soccer team from extending its unbeaten streak tonight as Rider University left Lessing Field with a 1-0 decision over the Stags.

Just prior to the goal, Viktor Nikolov made a brilliant save that ended up caroming off the post after his touch and bounced back onto the pitch. Bryant Akongo picked up the rebound and sent the ball inside the far post to tally the game's lone goal.

It was an unfortunate result for the Stags who entered the match unbeaten over its previous five dates. The night showed much promise as Fairfield was able to move the ball around the pitch against a Rider defense that ranks second in the conference for goals allowed (0.85 per game).

The first 30 minute resembled two teams getting a feel for the each other as play took place in the middle third for most of that time. Each team found some pace though as Fairfield took three of the first five shots in the match before Rider rallied for a couple of late shots before the half.

The second half seemed more open as play began to extend beyond the midfield which led to more opportunities. Rider created the game's first true scoring chance when Luke Kirilenko found a sliver of space at the top of the box, just enough to send a shot toward the upper right corner. Only through his full body extension was Nikolov able to put a hand on the ball to send it beyond the goal post.
The Stags found their best offensive thrust in the 65th minute when they put together a flurry of opportunities that led to shots from Sam Danner and Jacob Vitale, the latter setting up a corner kick. On the cross, Juan Pablo Leano put forth the team's third shot in two-minute spell but the team came up empty despite the opportunities.

Seven minutes later, Rider was finally able to break through when Akongo found a way to finally solve the Stags defense with his put back goal. Down a goal, Fairfield began to apply more pressure which led to two solid scoring chances in the 85^th and 86^th minutes. The first shot came off the foot of Danner that was cleared away by a Rider defender just before it reached the goal. A few second later, Leano found himself clear and put another shot on target that required attention from Rider goalkeeper Adam Salama.

Fairfield continued to push forward but was unable to find any more openings inside the box over the final few minutes. By the end, both team took 10 shots with Fairfield holding a 7-6 edge in the second half. Nikolov finished the evening with four saves while his counterpart earned three stops.

Fairfield will play a pair of road games next week beginning with a trip to Merrimack College on Wednesday, October 23 before heading to Saint Peter's University on Saturday, October 26. The Stags return home for their final two home games the following week, hosting Sacred Heart University on October 30 and Canisius University on November 2.