Aug. 27, 2006
MORGANTOWN, W VA. -- Steve Desmond scored both Fairfield University goals in a second-half come-from-behind win, as the Stags posted a 2-1 victory over the University of Pittsburgh on Sunday. The victory earned Fairfield a split in the two-game West Virginia Shootout, and raised the team's record to 1-1 on the season.
The Panthers jumped out to a 1-0 lead after the Stags were charged with an own goal in the 20th minute. Fairfield's defense never really allowed Pittsburgh to mount much of an attack beyond that point, with the Stags outshooting Pitt by an 11-5 count.
Fairfield broke through when Desmond redirected a ball with his head which caught the corner of the goal just two minutes into the second half. Just seven minutes later, David Piedrahita started the game-winning chance with a pass that found Desmond open in the corner of the box. He released a shot that caught the side of the net and put Fairfield in the lead for the first time.
The Stags defense made the lead stand up, keeping Pittsburgh out of the attack zone for most of the second half. Jon Paul Francini finished the game with two saves, while Pitt goalkeeper Jordan Marks tallied four stops.
Desmond and Alex Cunliffe earned a spot on the West Virginia Shootout All-Tournament team.
