NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team suffered their first Metro Conference loss of the season as they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Niagara Purple Eagles on the road. Niagara scored the eventual game-winner on an indirect free kick in the 70th minute and withstood five Fairfield shots in the closing minutes, one that deflected off the post. The loss snaps Fairfield's 21-match regular season unbeaten streak against conference opponents and drops them to 7-1 in the Metro this season.
Niagara was granted an indirect free kick in the 70th minute where senior Caitlyn Grady was able to get her shot over the wall of defenders into the back of the net to give the Purple Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Fairfield would have five chances after that goal to tie up the game but could not find the tying tally.
Mary Grusser had the best chance for the Stags but her shot hit off the post in the 79th minute.
Phoebe George put her two attempts on target in the final 10 minutes, but Niagara's goalkeeper Julia Poissant was able to turn both chances away.
The Stags rallied in the first half after surrendering the first goal of the match as they were given a free kick a few yards outside the 18.
Ashley McMahon presided over the set piece and fired a goal into the net for her fourth goal of the season and the 12th of her Fairfield career.
Despite the setback, the Stags remain tied in first place in the conference with their 7-1 mark as their 21 points matches Niagara's.
Fairfield, who entered the match as the national leaders in shots per game, were limited to just 10 attempts with five on net.
The Stags will return home to host in-state rivals Quinnipiac on Wednesday night at 7pm with the action streamed live on SNY.
