LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- A second-half goal made the difference in today's match against Siena College, resulting in a 1-0 setback for the Fairfield University men's soccer team. The decision marked the program's first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) loss of the campaign while the Saints improved to 2-0 in league play.
The first half was more a defensive battle as only seven shots were recorded through the first 45 minutes. Siena held the slight edge with four shots as compared to Fairfield's three attempts.
Drew Thompson put the game's first shot toward goal when he sent the ball forward in the first minute of the game. The Saints put some pressure in the sixth minute with a pair of shots from Martin Piedeleu but neither require any attention.
William Pierce added another shot for Fairfield but the shot skipped wide of its target.
Goalkeeper
Evan Chomow made the only save of the first half when he collected another attempt from Piedeleu which forced to make a stop to the lower part of the goal. Each team added one more attempt but neither made their intended target, sending the teams into the locker room deadlocked at 0-0.
The home team grabbed the lead with a goal just two minutes into the second half, courtesy of a strong run from Piedeleu, who took the ball 30 yards from goal and brought the ball to the top of the box before delivering a shot that caught the right side of the goal for a 1-0 lead. After the goal, Fairfield threatened with a rally in the 58th minute with three shots over the next four minutes.
Alex Vaz was responsible for two of those attempts while
Jahmani Stapleton was on task with the other try. Goalkeeper Bennet Glinder made saves on all three Fairfield shots, the only saves of the match for the junior.
Vaz became active once again in the 74th and 75th minutes with a pair of shots that created some concern for the Siena back line but the group was able to clear the ball without any further danger.
Pipeloore Olanrewaju wrapped the team's shot attempts with his first of the match in the 81st minute but the team could not break through.
The Fairfield University men's soccer team will play one more road game before returning home on October 4 against Iona College. Before that match takes place, the Stags will travel to Marist College for a 7 pm match on Wednesday, October 4.
