Connecticut Attack
vs.
Fairfield Defense
The Huskies attack is not the strength of their team, while the Stags defense is their strength. Fairfield is led by senior captain Tom Clements who anchors an athletic group that includes three players who have played at midfield and forward in the past. UConn averages just one goal per game, while the Stags defense has allowed 1.05 goals per game and has not allowed a goal in their past five contests. Fairfield will need to key in on O’Brien White, one of the nation’s top players who was the Big East Offensive Player of the Year two years in a row and has 40 career goals.
Edge: Fairfield
Fairfield Attack
vs.
Connecticut Defense
Like Fairfield, the strength of the UConn team is its defense. The Huskies are ranked ninth in the country in goals allowed per game, allowing just 0.59 goals each time out. The Stags attack meanwhile has sputtered often this year, but has come on strong of late, as Fairfield is outscoring opponents 15-0 in its last five games. The Stags are ranked 68th in the country with 1.56 goals scored per game. Christian Uy ’10, the MAAC tournament MVP could be a difference maker for Fairfield.
Edge: UConn
Intangibles
Fairfield has been clicking at the right time. As head coach Carl Rees has said, the group is a ‘galvanized’ bunch and the Stags have all the momentum heading into the game. UConn is coming off of a disappointing quarterfinals loss to DePaul in the Big East tournament. But the Huskies did finish the season strong and are playing at home, although that did not matter much two years ago when Fairfield upset them.
Edge: Even
Leave a Reply