Oct. 29, 2006
ELMA, N.Y. -- Sam Bailey and Alex Cunliffe each scored a goal to lift the Fairfield University men's soccer team to a 2-0 win over Niagara University in the regular-season finale, handing the Purple Eagles their first conference loss of the season. The victory also sends the Stags into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament, which will be held at Lessing Field next weekend.
Fairfield jumped to a 1-0 lead late in the first half when the Stags converted a scoring opportunity in the 35th minute. Steve Desmond started the play by curling a cross over the Niagara defense which Sam Bailey accepted with his left foot. He moved toward goal and put the ball to the right and released a shot that beat the Niagara goalkeeper to the lower left corner.
The Stags improved their advantage with a goal in the second half on a scoring chance which was set up by strong play from Kerr McLeod. The midfielder was pulled down just outside the box with 20 minutes remaining in regulation. Alex Cunliffe took the free kick and the curled the ball around the Niagara wall, and caught the corner of the goal for a 2-0 lead.
Fairfield's defense took over from that point, and kept Niagara from mounting any offensive flow. When the Purple Eagles did manage a shot, Fairfield goalkeeper Jon Paul Francini turned the attempt away. He finished the game with four saves, making two saves in the first and second half of the game.
The pairings for the 2006 MAAC tournament will be announced with game times on Monday.
