NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Fairfield University men's soccer dropped a 1-0 decision to Iona University on the road, the Stags' first Metro Conference setback. The result also ended Fairfield's 10-match unbeaten streak which started with a one-goal win over UConn on August 27.
The Stags did all they could to turn the one-goal deficit into a positive result, outshooting their hosts by a 15-5 count. Iona goalkeeper Adriano Sofio made eight saves though to keep the clean sheet intact and break a run of four consecutive draws.
The game's lone goal came in the 51
st minute when Iona was able to counter Fairfield's high-pressure attack that enabled the Gaels to find open space near midfield. Iona found itself with a 3-on-2 advantage which sprung Ignacio Manzanares inside the box who had a one-on-one opportunity with Fairfield goalkeeper
Evan Chomow. The sophomore came off his line to meet Manzanares but the freshman was able to place a shot into the far corner for the one-goal advantage.
Trailing midway through the half, Fairfield continued to push forward with positive results. The Stags put a pair of shots on target within a few minutes after the goal but Sofio was able to turn both aside without any further danger. Still, Fairfield continued to control play and keep the ball on the Iona side of the pitch.
After the goal, Fairfield was able to put five shots toward goal with four requiring attention from the goalkeeper. Defensively, the Stags prevented Iona from any making further advancement as the home team did not attempt another shot after the 51
st minute. Despite the pressure, Fairfield was not able to gather any results from its offensive push.
Chomow finished the match with one save despite facing five shots. The goal allowed was the first by an opponent since Quinnipiac's put-back goal off a save penalty kick on October 7. Chomow posted 238 consecutive scoreless minutes which included back-to-back clean sheets.
The Fairfield University men's soccer team will play its final non-conference match on Tuesday night when the Stags travel to Yale University on Tuesday, October 20. Fairfield will return home for a Metro Conference match on October 24 when the Stags host Canisius College for a 1 pm match at Lessing Field. The soccer program will honor its senior class prior to the game.
