Men want to recapture league champs, rebound from Tournament final loss

With the start of a new season, the men’s soccer team has not had an easy task, especially having to play five straight road games – leaving them with a 3-2 record to start off the season.

Although their winning record may not be the best it could be – there is hope.

In late August, the men’s soccer team played in the West Virginia Shootout. Although the Stags lost against West Virginia University with a score of 1-0, they won the game against University of Pittsburgh with a score of 2-1.

As a result of the West Virginia Shootout, three of Fairfield’s own were honored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) for their skills. Midfielder Steve Desmond ’08 received the co-offensive player of the week award, while freshman midfielder David Piedrahita earned the rookie of the week award. Goalkeeper Jon Paul Francini ’08 received the award for the defensive play of the week.

“We put up a good fight against West Virginia and just came out on the short end, but the game could have gone either way,” said Desmond.

Following the West Virginia Shootout, the Stags traveled to New York for the University of Hartwick tournament where they won in the first round with a score of 2-1 against Cornell University. Fairfield started off early with a 2-0 lead beginning in the second half until Cornell was able to score off a free-kick opportunity.

“We came out with one win and it was a good start to the season against two tough opponents,” said Desmond.

With a win in the first round of the tournament, the men’s soccer team lost in the second round when they played against the host team, the University of Hartwick. Although the Stags lost with a score of 2-0, the defense held their own.

Finishing their last game of the five road-game stretch, the Stags won against Adelphi University with a score of 3-1.

With six seniors gone and eight new members on the team, the fall schedule for the men’s soccer team will be challenging. The Stags will play September 20 when they host the University of Hartford.

“We’re hoping to get a lot of support from everyone at school,” said Desmond of the home opener. “We were in the same position this time last year, and we wound up winning the conference.”