FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's soccer team came just a few minutes from picking up a win in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play but a late goal from Iona University tied the game at 1-1, resulting in a draw between these two teams for the second straight season.

"I am proud of the performance as a whole," Head Coach Krystian Witkowski said. "It was one of our better games. We created chances and applied good pressure against a very difficult opponent. I love the intensity and energy from the team. I think this was one of our better efforts with and without the ball."

The Stags and the Gaels kept pace with each other throughout the match with each team getting the better of play at various points. Fairfield was more poised in the offensive third at the beginning of the match with Sean Albritton and Illia Tyrkus finding a couple of opportunities in the opening minutes of the match.

Fairfield held an advantage midway through the half before Iona began to build and create chances later. It was in the 36^th minute that the Stags were finally able to break through with some creativity coming from Cameron Gerber. The midfielder collected his sixth assist of the season when he sent a ball diagonally from the left side of the pitch toward the right post. Kaea Rangihaeata was able to stretch his foot to redirect the cross just inside the post to put the Stags in front by a goal.

The goal would stand up heading into the half with both teams earning six shots through the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, Iona seemed to gain more momentum offensively and was able to put more pressure on the Fairfield back line. The unit handled each situation without much danger, keeping the Gaels off the scoreboard despite the team taking 12 shots in the half.

With time winding down, Iona was able to find a way to tie the match with a goal in the final three minutes. Strom Schmidt Hollensted sent a ball from the left side to the top right corner of the box.  There, Chris Morandi was able to track down the ball and unleash a shot that hit the crossbar but had enough spin to carry it into the far left corner of the goal, bring the game square at 1-1.

Fairfield goalkeeper Evan Chomow made eight saves in the match, including six stops over the final 45 minutes. Iona goalkeeper Fernando Alves Schmelz collected two saves over his 90 minutes of work.

The Fairfield University men's soccer team will have a full week away from competition before it returns to action on Saturday, October 11 when it travels to Rider University for a 4 pm match.