While the Fairfield University men’s soccer team started off the season smoking hot, they have cooled of rather quickly as they now face possible elimination from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.
Early this season, the Stags found themselves ranked in New England’s Top 10, with a victory and a tie over two of the three Top 10 opponents they’ve faced. While they started out 5-0, the Stags began to lose momentum, struggling in the middle of the season, dropping four out of their next five games.
“We knew that we were unable to lose any more games,” said Sam Bailey ’08, in reference to rebounding from the team’s rough couple of games.
Coach Carl Rees was able to keep the team upbeat and positive.
“I knew that we were the better team than the ones we played in those games,” he said. He added that his team has the ability to beat anybody any time they play.
“Coach Rees stood behind us and was confident that we would turn it around,” said Jared Curry ’08.
This is all a credit to the team’s amazing depth in talent and character.
“We’re in a position to make the playoffs; it’s all about making the playoffs,” said Rees.
As holders of fourth place in the MAAC Conference, one of only two conferences that admit only their top four teams to the playoffs, the Stags have a few options on how to clinch a playoff berth.
Although this season is still quite alive, Rees commented on expectations for the Stags in 2005.
“At the end of the season we want to finish in the top spot of the MAAC,” he said.
“We’re losing some good seniors, who are tough to replace, but I still feel we can improve,” added Bailey.
The team holds a positive outlook, but must continue to stay focused to clinch a spot in the MAAC Championships.
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