FAIRFIELD, Conn. – On the first date of its three-match home stand, the Fairfield University men's soccer team finished with a 1-1 draw against Columbia University, bringing its overall record to 2-2-1.

The Stags proved to hold most of the advantage in the first half, creating more chances in the offensive third than their opponent. With a majority of their chances outside the box, Fairfield was only able to place one shot on target. And fortunately, that shot ended up in the upper corner of the goal.

On that play, Columbia made an attempt to bring the ball out of the box but Alex Vaz was able to step in and strip the ball from Lions defender. He carried the ball for a few feet before releasing a shot from just outside the box but catching the upper right corner to put Fairfield in the lead.

Fairfield finished the first half with six shots which was twice as many as Columbia's total. But the Stags were able to control the flow of play which allowed them to create more mischief inside the offensive third. Kaea Rangihaeata and Audun Engen Vik were in the middle of the mischief, both taking shots late in the half that just sailed past the posts to keep Fairfield's edge to one goal at intermission.

The Stags picked up their first-half momentum and carried it into the second half, gaining three shots in the opening minutes. Two of those attempts came from the foot of Pipeloreoluwa Olanrewaju, but both were off target.

Columbia came out with more spring in its step and began to push forward with more intent after Fairfield's initial movement. The Lions brought the ball forward more often and began to create more chances than they had in the first 45 minutes, especially later in the half. Over the final 20 minutes, Columbia was able to create six shots including one that forced goalkeeper Evan Chomow to make his only save of the game.

The Lions drew even in the 77^th minute when a Fairfield defender was called for an infraction at the center of the box, putting Alessandro Franciosa on the spot for a penalty kick. The senior midfielder did not disappoint as he placed the ball perfectly in the upper left corner to tie the match at 1-1.

The Stags had an excellent chance to take the lead in the 85^th minute when Augen Vik found space at the left corner of the box and sent a shot that skipped toward the lower left corner. Goalkeeper Dean Kelliher was able to get to the ball and deflect the ball over the touch line.

"I think we played a decent first half but we need to control the second half better," Head Coach Krystian Witkowski said. "We have to show some maturity in our group and in our plays so we can close game out. I was proud of the energy shown by all 30 guys. We are looking forward to starting MAAC play on Monday and I am excited for this group can continue to do."

The Stags will host Niagara University on Monday for their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener. The match is slated for a 2 pm start at Lessing Field.