After a four game road trip during which Quinnipiac dropped their last three games, the Bobcats returned to their winning ways edging Fairfield 2-1 on Wednesday. It Is the Bobcats’ first victory over the Stags since joining the MAAC in 2013.
It is the first conference victory for the Bobcats, who were winless in their first two games against MAAC opponents. The Fairfield Stags leave Hamden still searching for their first MAAC victory, as they fall to 0-3 in conference play, having lost all three by one goal margins. Their previous two losses had been in overtime.
Both teams struggled to maintain possession and generate scoring chances early on in the first half, as only one shot was recorded in the game’s first fifteen minutes. The Stags appeared to be in business when they broke out on a two on two rush, however an off sides call would nullify their chance.
Quinnipiac’s first scoring opportunity was saved by Fairfield goaltender Jenna Pike, however Pike had to exit the game after hyperextending her knee on the save. She did not return.
Goaltender Megan DeFeo would take Pike’s place. The sophomore had yet to face a shot on goal this season, but was immediately put to the test by the Bobcats.
After a foul by Fairfield in their own box, Bobcat senior Kelly Caruso finessed a penalty kick past the diving DeFeo to put the Bobcats on the board with 17:20 remaining in the first half.
The foul was one of many on the day. The physical-minded Bobcats, who currently sit atop the MAAC in yellow cards, recorded 19 fouls on the day. The Stags had 14 of their own.
The Bobcats kept their foot on the gas and continue the pressure in the first half, testing the new goaltender. With just over five minutes remaining in the first half, Quinnipiac’s Ally Grunstein found the back of the net on a beautiful centering pass from Jess Gargan. Senior Jess Fontaine provided the throw-in to set up the goal and earning an assist, making her the team’s leader in helpers this season.
Fairfield, coming into the game outshooting their opponents 67-55 in the second half, came out firing to start the second half in this game. An early breakaway chance by Stags senior Sydney Arestivo was thwarted by Quinnipiac goaltender Olivia Myszewski, who aggressively slid in to grab the loose ball and end the threat.
After further pressure, the Stags finally got on the board with 26:45 to go in the contest, as a corner kick was deflected around the box and eventually headed in by freshman Melanie Hingher, her first goal of her collegiate career.
The Bobcat defense settled down after surrendering the goal, and did not allow a shot on goal for the next 30 minutes of play. Two late corner kicks by Fairfield would be their last offensive hope. Neither try put the Bobcats in much danger of squandering their one goal lead.
Quinnipiac continues its conference play on Saturday, Oct. 1 in a home match against Marist College.
