NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Fairfield University men's soccer team played to a two-goal lead midway through the first half, but saw that edge disappear before rallying to tie the game against Columbia University as the two teams battled to a 3-3 draw.
Fairfield took control of the game early, scoring a pair of goals in just over two minutes.
Cameron Gerber tallied the game's first goal off a free kick that eluded goalkeeper Kai Zeruhn in the 26
th minute.
Cristian Ortiz doubled the team's advantage in the 28
th minute, converting a pass from
Jett Aktan and catching the corner of the goal.
Columbia was able to cut the lead in half later in the half when the team was awarded a penalty kick with 12 minutes remaining. Jack McDaid stood over the ball and sent a shot into the right corner just inside the post, bringing the score to 2-1.
The Lions was granted another penalty kick 21 minutes into the second half, and it was McDaid that received the call from the bench. The senior found the corner once again which enabled the home team to bring it even at 2-2.
Columbia took its first lead of the game in the 73
rd minute with the McDaids setting up the score. Jack McDaid sent a pass to Joe McDaid who quickly served the ball to Ethan Heyward at the center of the box. The first-year student-athlete tucked the ball under the cross bar for the one-goal advantage.
Fairfield did not face the deficit long as it put together a scoring chance just one minute later.
Drew Thompson was responsible for starting the play, sending the ball to
Cristiano Carlos who placed the ball in the back of the net, tying the game at 3-3. Carlos has posted a point in each of his first four games with the Stags, giving him three goals and one assist in those outings.
Fairfield goalkeeper
Evan Chomow was active inside the box throughout the game, finishing the match with a season-best seven saves. Five of his stops came in the second half, including three saves in the final nine minutes of play. Columbia had the last chance to break the tie with a shot in the 88
th minute but Chomow was able to steer the attempt away from danger.
The Fairfield University men's soccer team will begin a two-match home stand next Saturday, hosting the University of New Haven on Saturday, September 12. The Stags will open Metro Conference play one week later when Siena University comes to Lessing Field. Both matches are slated for a 6 pm start.
