LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Fairfield University men's soccer took the lead in the 87^th minute against Rider University but the Broncs were able to tie the game just 23 seconds later, resulting in a 1-1 draw between the two teams.

Fairfield controlled the level of play for most of the game, taking the first five shots of the game. Two of those attempts were threatening as Illia Tyrkus put a shot on target that required goalkeeper Marius Helias to make a save.

Pipeloore Olanrewaju was responsible for two of those early attempt with his second striking the crossbar before being cleared away from danger. Tyrkus added another shot in the 28^th minute which also forced Helias to make a stop.

The Stags defense blanketed the Rider attack for most of the first half, not allowing a shot until the 32^nd minute. Xavi Csato was on attack with an attempt that was on target but handled by goalkeeper Evan Chomow. By the half, Fairfield registered eight shots toward the goal while its counterpart managed just two shots through 45 minutes.

Fairfield continued to handle the flow in the second half, moving the forward frequently without any results. Rider began to find some offensive maneuvers that opened up their attack more, placing another shot on goal that Chomow pushed aside to keep the game scoreless. The Stags continued to move the ball up front, creating four opportunities over the next four minutes with chance coming from Cameron Gerber. Gerber released a shot that was toward center goal but the goalkeeper was well positioned to make the save.

With the prospect of a draw on the docket, both teams began to become more aggressive in pushing the ball into more dangerous positions. Fairfield was finally able to break through in the 87^th minute after Rider sent the ball over the endline. William Pierce orchestrated the corner kick, sending a ball to the center of the box where Jordan Blunschi redirected the cross with his head to put Fairfield in front by a 1-0 count.

The lead was short lived as Rider took possession and quickly brought the ball up the pitch where Csato entered the box and sent a pass to the feel of Kaelan Debbage. Debbage finished the shot with a hard shot which Chomow was able to get a hand on but the momentum of the shot carried to the back of the goal.

"I think we played well enough to take all three points today but we need to continue to close out these games and finish," Head Coach Krystian Witkowski said. "We continue to create chances but we need to put those opportunities away. Now, we need to turn our focus to Merrimack for our next game."

The Stags will host Merrimack College on Wednesday, October 15 at Lessing Field. Game time is slated for 7 pm.