Stags Defeat Niagara 2-0 In MAAC Home Opener
The Fairfield University women’s soccer defeated visiting Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) foe Niagara University 2-0 on Lessing Field Friday night. The Stags improve to 6-3-2 overall and 3-0-0 in MAAC play – the best start since 2007 – while the Purple Eagles fell to 6-6-0 on the year and 1-2-0 in conference play.
Fairfield controlled play from the outset, outshooting Niagara 24-3 for the game, including a 13-1 advantage in the first-half. The Stags got on the board 5:27 into the contest when Carly Beyar sent a corner kick to the opposite corner and Shannon Fay put it into the back of the net. The assist was Beyar’s third in as many games, and her second assist of a game-winner in MAAC play.
Niagara goalkeeper Claire Feiertag made four of her eight saves in the first-half to keep the score 1-0 Stags into the intermission. Nikki Stanton gave the Stags some breathing room in the 83rd minute, with her first goal of the season. She was able to control a loose ball in the middle of the 18 and sent it across the crease and off the near post and into the net for the 2-0 lead.
The Fairfield defense allowed just three shots on the evening, all on goal, and all stopped by Veronica Saez. The shutout is the sixth of the season for Fairfield and the third of the year for Saez. The Stags held an 8-4 edge in corner kicks and committed one additional foul, 11-10.
Fairfield is 3-0 to start MAAC play for the first time since 2007 and the 11th time in program history. The Stags are back in action on Sunday when they host Canisius College at 1 p.m. on Lessing Field.
Headlines
- Recruiting Roundup: June 23-July 6
- 2025 Women's Division I Transfer Tracker
- How Do I Get Scouted by TopDrawerSoccer?
-
2025 Men's DI Recruiting Rankings: June
-
GA Playoffs: U17 & U19 Top Performers
- IMG Academy Player Rankings: Girls 2027
-
2025 Women's DI Recruiting Rankings
-
GA Playoffs: U16 Top Performers
-
GA Playoffs: U14 & U15 Top Performers
-
Women's Southland Breakout Candidates