FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's soccer put its best foot forward this afternoon, picking up a 2-0 win over Niagara University in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener for both programs.

A pair of rookies were at the forefront of this victory, namely forward Pipeloore Olanrewaju and goalkeeper Evan Chomow. The duo handled duties in both their ends of the pitch with Olanrewaju being responsible for both goals and Chomow registering a personal-best nine saves in recording his second clean-sheet of the campaign.

The Stags were electric in the first half, pressuring the Niagara back line consistently from the start. As the match wore on, Fairfield became more aggressive and created more chances inside the box. But it was the final five minutes of the half that proved to be the most devastating for the Purple Eagles as the home team managed to put a pair of goals on the scoreboard in the final five minutes.

The first goal required some creativity from Kaea Rangihaeata who ran down a long ball near the far side of the box. Once under control, the junior sent the ball back across the box where Olanrewaju gained position inside his defender. The forward secured the pass and sent a ball to the lower corner to put Fairfield in front, 1-0, in the 41^st minute.

With time ticking away in the half, the Stags managed one more rush which started with an aggressive play that started from goalkeeper Chomow. His long ball eventually reached the box but the ball was taken by a Niagara defender. He was stripped of the ball still inside the box where Olanrewaju was stationed. He one-timed a shot just inside the near post to double the advantage to 2-0 with 41 seconds left on the clock.

"Lore has had shots that were just an inch either way would have been a goals previously so I am happy to see him rewarded today for his hard work," Coach Witkowski said.

The second half was equally successful for the Stags as they continued to push the ball forward, setting up several opportunities but none to fruition. Fairfield recorded nine shots over the final 45 minutes, four of which required an effort by Niagara goalkeeper Grant Wyles. The junior finished with nine saves in the match.

As the half continued, Niagara moved the ball forward frequently with the hopes of catching some magic. Each time, the back line was able to thwart those attacks by either taking the ball away and clearing it or watching Chomow make a save. He made seven of his nine saves in the second half.

"We had a complete performance in the first half but gave them too many opportunities in the second half with free kicks and corners," Coach Witkowski said. "Every match in the MAAC is difficult and Niagara challenged us throughout the 90 minutes. I am proud how the guys dug in and came away with another clean sheet at home."

Fairfield will now concentrate its next match, the third of a three-game home stand. The Stags will return to non-conference play when they host defending national champion University of Vermont on Saturday, September 20. The game is scheduled for a 6 pm start at Lessing Field.