FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University Women's Soccer team will host the Rider Broncs in their 2026 Metro Conference opener on Saturday at 5pm on Lessing Field. The program will also partner with Avery's Little Army to kick off Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, donating $10 for every goal scored this season. It is the third-straight campaign the Stags have partnered with the cause.
 
Avery's Little Army is an organization founded by the family of Avery Marie Lafferty, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just nine years old and passed away from the disease less than three years later. Their mission is to honor the legacy of Avery, an exceptionally brave cancer rebel, and patients like her. The organization strives to advance pediatric brain and other cancer research through funding, provide support and assistance to families battling pediatric cancer, and promote activities to raise awareness.
 
The Stags have scored 109 goals since first partnering with the organization in 2024. To date, the organization has raised over $300,000 for pediatric cancer research and supporting families.
 
On the pitch, the Stags will be opening up play in the rebranded Metro Conference, a league where they hold a 20-1-3 regular season record over the last two campaigns. Fairfield has won at least a share of the regular season title in three of the last four years while winning the tournament title in 2024.
 
Rider brings a 1-1-1 overall record after their three non-conference matches. The Broncs have scored three goals from three different student-athletes with six total players tallying at least one point.
 
Fairfield will have a week off before hosting Canisius next Saturday at 12pm.