FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield capitalized on a penalty kick in the 4th minute and the Stags held on the rest of the way to eke out a 1-0 victory against the Hartford men's soccer team in the non-conference matchup on Lessing Field Tuesday night. Hartford fell to 1-5-2 (0-1 America East) while the Stags improved to 1-4-1 on the year.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fairfield drew the early penalty and senior forward Jonathan Filipe made the most of his opportunity, beating Hartford goalkeeper Rotem Fadida for the game's only goal. Fadida guessed correctly on Filipe's PK, diving to his right as the ball was struck, but Filipe's shot elevated out of Fadida's reach.
 
The Hawks, who had just one shot by halftime, ramped up the pressure after the break. Hartford produced a few chances, including two strong looks in the 79th minute from Wyatt Leto and Jordon May, but the Hawks couldn't break through. Fairfield worked the clock down the stretch to successfully hold off Hartford's comeback bid.
 
INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• Tuesday marked the fifth time in eight games that the Hawks have allowed one goal or less
• The Hawks picked up five yellow cards in the game, but trailed Fairfield in fouls 17-15
• Leto, May and Addrian Knights-Browne each finished with two shots for Hartford
• Fairfield led 13-7 in shots
• Hartford freshman goalkeeper Nate DiLoreto made his first appearance for the Hawks, replacing Fadida at halftime
• It marked the first time this season Fadida left the pitch

 
NEXT ON TAP
The Hawks will return to America East action when they host New Hampshire (7-0, 1-0 AE) on Saturday at 7 p.m. New Hampshire was ranked No. 9 nationally in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Poll, on Sept. 21. The Wildcats have outscored their opponents 11-2 this season. The Wildcats are tied for fourth nationally with just two goals allowed and knocked off previously-undefeated Quinnipiac, 5-0, on Tuesday night.