STORRS, Conn. – When the preseason United Soccer Coaches national poll was published, Fairfield University Men's Soccer saw its first two opponents of 2026 among the listing. While the task appeared formidable, the Fairfield University men's soccer collective knew the Stags would be right there with their nationally-ranked foes.
After falling five seconds short of a draw with #17 Marshall, Head Coach
Krystian Witkowski witnessed no remorse from his group. The result was an impressive 1-0 win over UConn to level Fairfield's record at 1-1.
"I am immensely proud of the guys coming off a disappointing finish against Marshall," Coach Witkowski said. "The guys maintained their level of positivity, spirit, and training that led us to get a result tonight in a very difficult place against a very difficult team. This was a true team effort. The back line and (goalkeeper Evan) Chomow have been tremendous. This team has embodied the DNA of being resilient and a defensive team first and that resulted in a clean sheet tonight."
Luke Shreiner was part of that strong defensive effort tonight, joining a group that held UConn to eight shots with only four being on target.
"Everything we did in the preseason led us to these games," junior
Luke Shreiner said. "Some may not have believed that we could get results in the first two but the coaches and the team believed. You can see it on the field – the work rate and the bond we have is not something happens anywhere else."
For the second time in as many collegiate games,
Cristiano Carlos found himself in position to lift the team. And for the second time in as many collegiate games, the freshman responded.
Sean Albritton started the opportunity, sending the ball to the rookie at the top of the box. Carlos worked some magic around his defender and tucked the ball inside the left corner of the goal.
"The coaches have been a huge part of my development so far," Carlos said. "I don't think I would be at the level I am this early in my college career if it wasn't for them. Tonight, I got the ball in the box and was able to hit it into the bottom corner and we started celebrating."
The first half did not offer many opportunities as play was primarily in the middle third of the pitch. The game was 20 minutes old before either team was able to produce scoring chances. UConn's Yotaro Furutani gave his team its first chance with a shot that was on line before sailing just over the cross bar. For Fairfield,
Cameron Gerber found freedom in the box five minutes later and pushed a shot past the goalkeeper but the ball just skipped wide.
The Huskies best chance came in the 63
rd minute and it was only a brilliant defensive effort that kept the home team off the scoreboard. When a ball from the left side was sent to the center of the box, Rashid Nacif Joffre volleyed at shot that seemed destined for the goal. However,
Drew Thompson cleared the ball from the line to keep the game scoreless.
Fairfield put together a flurry in the 66
th minute by gaining two shots just seconds apart. The first came off the foot of Marques Nana-Sinkham, who plucked the ball out of the air with his foot and sent a shot toward the far corner, forcing Durham to make the save. The Stags regained possession abut 25 yards from goal where
Cristian Ortiz returned the ball toward goal before Durham was able to make another save.
The Stags nearly doubled that advantage in the 87
th minute when
Liam McElderry disrupted a pass back to the keeper. The sophomore's shot hit the cross bar and bounced back into play but the goalkeeper was able to collect the carom.
Fairfield will return to the pitch on Tuesday, September 1 for the home opener against Lehigh University. Game time is slated for 6 pm.
