Fairfield, Conn. - Off to a 1-0-1 start, including a 1-1 double overtime tie with Colorado, the Fairfield University women’s soccer team has garnered recognition in regional polls, released on Tuesday.  The Stags were voted 5th in the Northeast Region in the first in-season NSCAA poll, as voted by a panel of coaches.  Fairfield also received a point in the national poll, ranking them among the top-50 nationally.  The Stags also moved up five spots to 8th in the Northeast Region, in the SoccerBuzz poll.

“We are thrilled with our most recent regional ranking,” said third-year head coach Jim O’Brien.  “It gives the program credibility and also provides incentive for the team to keep its current status as one of the Northeast's elite. The team deserves to be recognized for its great effort and performance over the weekend and it is a testament to our commitment to be the best that we can be.”  

The Stags opened the season with a solid 2-0 win over Air Force on Friday in the first game of the DU Classic, in Denver, Colo.  Casey Frobey and Alex Caram both tallied goals in that game.  On Sunday, Fairfield tied Big 12 Conference member, Colorado, to share the best record in the tournament.  Ahna Johnson scored the Stags goal, on an assist from Robyn Decker, her second of the weekend.  Brett Maron made 14 saves in net for the Stags in that contest, tying the school’s single-game record.  The Buffs advanced to the sweet 16 of the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

“High praise goes out to our strength coach, Mark Spellman for his hard work in preparing the team to play at high altitude and they are ready to face our regular season schedule head on,” said O’Brien.

Fairfield will play twice this coming week, traveling Wednesday to Seton Hall, for a 5 p.m. matchup.  The Pirates are 2-0 on the young season, with a 4-0 win over Virginia Commonwealth and a 1-0 defeat of Lafayette.  Seton Hall is led by reigning Big East Goalkeeper of the Week Amanda Becker, who made 12 saves on the weekend, nine in the win over VCU.

The Stags also open the home portion of the schedule this Friday, Sept. 7 on Lessing Field, hosting Colgate, under the lights at 7 p.m.  The Stags were 5-2-1 on Lessing Field during the 2006 regular season.  Tickets to the game are available at the game, $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and youth.  Fairfield students, faculty and staff are free with ID.