FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Steve Casey's play in net and Matt Lopoyda's efforts at both ends of the field changed the makeup of Saturday's outing at Fairfield, but the Stags pulled away near the end to cinch up a 2-1 victory over the Purple Eagles.
 
Match Moments

• 26' – The first chances of the game belonged to Fairfield, who continually found pressure and used set pieces to get shots off. However, the defense remained stout and Casey made three saves in the span to keep the Stags off the board.
• 47' – Coming out of the halftime break, Niagara showed a fiercer tenacity that resulted in heavier pressure up front and more aggressive defense in the back half. Lopoyda perhaps best exemplified that when he blocked a shot with Casey out of position and Fairfield's Joseph Meyer alone in front of the net with the ball. Meyer wound up to plant one in the open net for a 2-0 lead, but Lopoyda absorbed the shot from point-blank range to allow Casey time to move back in and clear the ball.
• 55' – Lopoyda keyed Niagara's next big play at the complete opposite end of the field not 10 minutes later. Attacking from the right side of the net, Lopoyda dished the ball across the goal line, only to have it put across by the Fairfield defense for an equalizer.
• 65' – After a handball by Niagara in the box gave the Stags a penalty opportunity, Casey came up huge by rejecting the initial shot.

 
Coach's Corner

• Head coach Bill Boyle: "We had a pretty solid performance again today. We tied it up and had an opportunity to capitalize as they were questioning themselves, but we didn't take advantage. We will keep on fighting though as we turn right around to Rider on Wednesday."

 
Up Next

• The Purple Eagles travel to Rider for a midweek clash on Wednesday, Oct. 3. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

 
 
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