Aug. 28, 2006
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Three Fairfield University student-athletes were honored for their play last weekend at the West Virginia Shootout, as the trio picked up weekly accolades from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Steve Desmond (New Providence, N.J.) earned the co-offensive player of the week, while Jon Paul Francini (Oakland, N.J.) received the defensive player of the week. David Piedrahita (White Plains, N.Y.) collected the rookie of the week award.
Desmond scored both goals in Fairfield's 2-1 win over the University of Pittsburgh on the second day of the tournament. After falling behind 1-0, Desmond tied the game with a header just two minutes into the second half, and added the game-winner seven minutes later. The two scores were Desmond's first collegiate goals. For his effort, Desmond was named to the Shootout's All-Tournament team.
Piedrahita set up Desmond's game-winning goal in the 54th minute, sending a pass across the field toward the goal. The freshman played in both games, and earned a start in his first collegiate game. Piedrahita came off the bench in the second game to set up the game-winner.
Francini garnered the defensive player of the week after allowing just two goals in two games. He surrendered one goal and made two saves in the opener against West Virginia. The junior came back in the second outing with another two-save performance against Pittsburgh, only allowing an own goal in the first half.
The Fairfield University men's soccer team, under Head Coach Carl Rees, brings a 1-1 overall record into this weekend's action. The Stags will travel to Hartwick College for a two-game tournament, battling Cornell University on Friday, September 1 and the host school on Sunday, September 3.
