Sept. 20, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Alex Cunliffe tallied his fourth goal of the season in the 56th minute as the Fairfield University men's soccer team posted a 1-1 tie against intrastate foe University of Hartford at Lessing Field. The draw extended the Stags regular-season home unbeaten streak to 10 games, posting a 7-0-3 record during the run.
The Stags controlled the flow of the game by attacking the Hawks in their defensive third right from the start. Just one minute into the game, Mike Troy completed a give-and-go play with a return pass to the feet of Cunliffe, who broke free inside six yards and one-timed a shot that sailed over the cross bar. The play was the first of several scoring chances for the Stags, but solid play from Hartford goalkeeper Matt Glaeser kept the game scoreless.
Two minutes later, Steve Desmond sent a cross from central midfield to the right wing, which sprung Troy open inside the box. Troy launched a shot that just nicked the post and kicked wide. Fairfield's next scoring chance came from good footwork by Paul McQuade, who pushed the ball past his defender for a one-on-one opportunity against Glaeser. McQuade flicked the ball high, but the diving goalkeeper made the save.
In the 29th minute, Hartford earned its first scoring opportunity with solid play around the box. Gary Muir received the ball on a pass sent from inside the box back to 20 yards. Muir kicked the ball to the low corner, but Jon Paul Francini dove to his left and stopped the shot. One minute later, Cunliffe went high for a Sam Bailey corner kick that was on goal, but Glaeser was equal to the task once again.
Troy found the back of the net with 19 seconds remaining in the half, but the linesman waved his flag for an offsides call that negated the goal. Both goalkeepers made two saves in the first half, with the Stags holding a slight 5-3 edge in shots.
The Stags finally broke through in the second half when Bailey sent a ball to the middle of the box which Cunliffe controlled and pushed past Glaeser for a 1-0 lead. The goal held up for 17 minutes before Kenniel Martin tied the game in the 73rd minute when he knocked a loose ball off a cross from far side to near side into the Fairfield goal.
The overtime periods did not create many scoring chances as both teams clamped down defensively and cleared any ball that entered their respective zone.
"I thought we played well and that we were the better side tonight," Head Carl Rees said. "We created several scoring opportunities but did not finish. Considering this is just our sixth game, I think our play tonight is a good sign."
Rees also pointed to the enthusiastic crowd as reason for the team's quick start.
"The fans were unbelievable tonight, especially the students," Rees said. "From everyone in the program, we certainly appreciate their effort and support. The fans certainly made a big difference in the game."
