A slow start to the Stags season that included losses to some of the top teams in the nation became a thing of the past with a five game unbeaten streak. But on Monday night in a delayed game against Iona, the Stags slipped up again against a top opponent, losing 2-0.
The Stags (5-5-1, 1-1-1 MAAC) still have six MAAC conference games remaining and head coach Carl Rees said that he believes there will be plenty of time to recover and make a run at a return to the MAAC Tournament, which will be hosted in Fairfield at Lessing Field this year from Nov. 13-15. The last time Fairfield hosted the MAAC Tournament was in 2006 and was won by the Stags.
“I am optimistic [regarding] the remainder of the MAAC [season],” Rees said. “We are learning as we go and the camaraderie of the group is strong.”
Fairfield played six freshmen against Iona, starting five of them. But Rees said inexperience has not been the problem for the Stags, it has been the strength of the schedule so far, a fact that could prove to help Fairfield as it continues its grueling MAAC schedule.
“We are young in age and college soccer experience but our general soccer I.Q. is good,” Rees said. “Four of our five losses have been to teams in the national top 25 this season.”
Iona (9-1-2, 3-0 MAAC) has received votes in the NSCAA/Adidas national poll multiple times this season and is ranked No. 2 in the North Atlantic region, while the Stags sit in seventh place.
Fairfield held Iona scoreless until the 43rd minute of the first half, when the Gaels struck with a goal by Mario Rios. In the 78th minute of the second half, Iona sealed the game with a goal by Giovanni Destasio, both goals assisted by Fernando Liserra. Destasio is the leading goal scorer in the MAAC with 10 on the season.
“This is probably the best Iona team I have seen,” Rees said. “They are very technical and quick in transition to attack. We did however, create opportunities to score, but failed to convert the chances into goals.”
The Stags and Gaels each had eight shots in the game, with Fairfield out shooting Iona 6-4 in the second half.
Fairfield remains at home for two games this weekend, squaring off against Saint Peter’s at 7 p.m. on Friday and against Manhattan at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Stags game Friday night is preceded by the unveiling of a new Stag Statue, parade and picnic at 4 p.m. outside Alumni Hall. There will then be a bonfire following the game.
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