A Fairfield own goal in the game’s 56th minute was the difference maker, as the Canisius Golden Griffins scored a 1-0 victory over the Stags Saturday night at the Demske Sports Complex. Canisius, which is unbeaten in its last four contests, improved to 8-7-2 overall and 4-3-2 in MAAC play, while Fairfield fell to 5-8-3 overall and 3-5-1 in league action.
After playing a scoreless first half, Canisius was able to put a goal on the board a little over 10 minutes into the second stanza after Fairfield’s Diego Casielles kicked the ball into his own net. Canisius’ Melvin Blair did a majority of the work to set-up the play, as he dribbled around five Fairfield defenders, but he then lost possession inside the 6-yard box. Casielles’ clearing attempt ended up going right into his team’s goal, and Canisius took the 1-0 lead.
That one goal was more than enough support for Canisius goalkeeper Marco Trivellato, who made five saves en route to his fourth shutout of the season. Fairfield’s Joe Martin made two stops in the losing effort for the Stags.
Fairfield outshot Canisius 20-8 for the game, but only five of the Stags’ shots were on frame. Fairfield also held a 4-0 advantage in corners.
Prior to the start of the game, Canisius held its annual Senior Night Ceremony to honor seniors Thomas Teupen, Francesco Strangio, Mathew Santos and John Hollinger, who were making their final regular-season appearance at the Demske Sports Complex.
Head Coach Dermot McGrane’s said “This was not a pretty game to watch, but I am proud of the way our players fought hard to get the win. We get to enjoy it tonight and tomorrow, and then we are back at work Monday and Tuesday to prepare to play Niagara, which is always a tough game.”
Canisius will close out the 2016 regular season at long-time rival Niagara on Wednesday. Game time in Lewiston is set for 7 p.m. A Canisius victory at Niagara on Wednesday will secure a berth for the Griffs in the 2016 MAAC Men’s Soccer Championship tournament.
from GoGriffs.com via IFTTT
