Fairfield University’s men’s club soccer team has quietly put together one of the best seasons on campus this year, finishing 9-1-2 and going a perfect 7-0 in conference play. After winning their division, the Stags now head into the playoffs with real momentum and something to prove.
Club sports don’t always get the same attention as varsity teams, but this group has built something to make note of. They’ve been consistent all season, finding ways to win both at home and on the road and becoming a tight-knit group.
Captains Tyler Bois, Brendan Lambe, Thomas Healey and Gianluca Ruggiero have been leading the way, setting the tone for a team that’s bought into their ways. Whether it’s a close game or one they control from the start, Fairfield has stayed composed and taken care of business.
“We’ve been working toward this all season,” Ruggiero said. “Everyone’s bought in, and we know what we can do going into the playoffs.”
The Stags came out strong early, opening the season with a 6-1 win over Southern Connecticut State before picking up a 1-0 road win at Army. They didn’t slow down from there, adding wins against Quinnipiac, Yale, and Marist along the way. No matter the opponent, they’ve found ways to stay in control and close games out.
Offensively, the team has leaned on a core group of players to get the job done. Healey, Ruggiero, Adam Healey and Gabe Feldman have all stepped up in big moments, creating chances and finishing when it matters. Mark Surretzky has also been a key piece, giving the team depth and energy with his speed.
On the other end, Fairfield has been just as strong defensively. Goalkeeper Ryan Carrela has been reliable in the net, helping the team stay locked in during tighter games. With a solid back line in front of him, the Stags haven’t given opponents many easy looks.
Their most recent scheduled game against Central Connecticut State didn’t go as planned, though. CCSU failed to show up, and the game was called off, leaving Fairfield without a chance to play in front of a crowd that had come out to support them.
“It was definitely disappointing,” Ruggiero said. “We had fans and families who came out, and we wish we could have put on a show for them.”
Even with that, the focus hasn’t changed. The Stags head into the playoffs confident, knowing what they’ve done all season and what they’re capable of when they’re playing their game.
For seniors like Ruggiero and Healey, there’s also a little more on the line. With their time on the team coming to an end, they’re looking to keep the season going as long as possible and make the most of the games they have left.
Now it’s all about the postseason. The regular season success doesn’t mean much if they can’t carry it over, but based on how they’ve played so far, Fairfield is in a good spot.