The Fairfield Stags’ men’s soccer team has again risen to the occasion late in the game, winning another late game thriller, this time over St. Peter’s College, 2-1 in double overtime. Freshman Christian Uy scored his third game winner of the season in dramatic fashion, five minutes into the second overtime period.
Fairfield fell behind quickly, as St. Peter’s scored just two minutes into the game. The Stags’ were able to rally and extend their fourteen game Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) unbeaten streak. The Stags are now 13-0-1 stretching back to the 2004 season in MAAC regular season play.
Senior captain Mike Troy felt that the Stags’ started slowly (they were out-shot 4-2 in the first half), but finished the game strong to get an important win.
“It was another good win for us,” said Troy, “We were outplayed in the first half and fell behind, but fought back and got the win.”
“It’s another three points in the MAAC and that is what is most important for us right now,” added Troy.
The Stags held St. Peter’s back for thirty minutes, with neither team having a scoring chance after the first goal. Troy then took a cross from Tom Skara `08, and sent the ball into the net for his third goal of the season, to tie the game up at one. It was Troy’s second goal of the week and the eleventh of his career.
Fairfield turned up the heat on St. Peter’s in the second half, putting seven shots on goal in the second half, but the St. Peter’s goalie played strong and made key saves on shots from Troy, Kerr McLeod `09, and Sam Bailey `08.
The Stags controlled the first overtime, putting three shots on goal, while St. Peter’s did not have any shots. The St. Peter’s defense again stopped Fairfield from winning the game, but could not do so in the second overtime.
Freshman Paul McQuade sent a pass to Tom Clements `09, who sent the ball over to Uy for the goal. McQuade picked up his team high seventh assist of the season, while it was the third assist of the year for Clements.
Uy said after the game that it felt good to score the winning goal. “It felt good to help the team win the game,” Uy said, “It was an easy finish, Clements put the ball right in the perfect spot and I was able to knock it in.” “It was another good away win for the team,” added Uy.
The Stags are overcoming many injuries at the time, as senior Alex Cunliffe did not play in the game. Mike Vanasse `08 also did not play in the game.
“We have a number of players who are injured at the moment,” said Coach Carl Rees, “But Scott Atkin, our Athletic Trainer, and Mark Spellman, the strength and conditioning coach, have done a great job getting players healthy and strong enough to compete.”
Coach Rees felt that the defense had another strong game and that senior back Jimmy Gaughan was a key part of the win, stepping in due to injuries.
“The defense was solid again, as J.P. Francini, Tom Skara, and Tom Clements have played well at the heart of the defense, said Rees,” “Credit also must go to Jim Gaughan who has started at left back and done well for us slotting into the back four defensive unit.”
The Stags return to action on Friday night against Loyola at Lessing Field at 7 PM, followed by a bonfire for the fans.
Remaining Schedule:
Friday 10/20/06 vs. Loyola (Md) at Fairfield, Conn. 7:00 PM Sunday 10/22/06 vs. Rider at Fairfield, Conn. 1:00 PM Friday 10/27/06 vs. Canisius at Buffalo, N.Y. 7:00 PM Sunday 10/29/06 vs. Niagara at Buffalo, N.Y. 1:00 PM
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