Once again, the Fairfield side of the scoreboard on Lessing Field was lit up by a faint yellow 0. The Fairfield Stag's women's soccer team was shutout for the third time in their last four games. This time they were the victims of the defense of the Black Knights of Army. The squad has been struggling with the home-field advantage and have not scored a goal on campus in over 300 minutes, that's since August 27th, four home games ago. "We have six attacking personality type of players on the field at any one time we definitely should be doing more in the way of sustaining attack," head coach Jim O'Brien said after the loss. The sixth year head coach has seen glimpses of the potential that highlights this team's offensive attack but not throughout the whole game. "We're not putting together long periods of good play," he said. The stats prove it. Fairfield is 0-4 when falling behind but are undefeated when scoring the first goal of the game.This slumping group does have the talent. When the offense is clicking, they have the talent to be one of the best in the league. The attack of the team is arguably the most experienced group on the field. The forwards are led by the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, Jasmin Corniel who was also the team's leading scorer just a year ago. The junior was named to the NSCAA All-Northeast Regional team in 2009 which shows the promise that she possesses.
Red shirted senior Casey Frobey brings the experience that any squad vitally needs. The team captain is one of the most successful attackers in program history ranking sixth in points with 72 and career goals with 28.
Also, the Stags welcomed Spenser Allaway back into the lineup on Thursday at Stony Brook. It was her first game since last year and she returned with a bang scoring the game winning goal as the Stags got the road win 3-0 against the Sea Wolves. "She is definitely one of our top players and it's very nice to have her back," O'Brien said. The junior was named to the All-MAAC First team in her sophomore season and will look to increase the Stags offense.
In order for the Stags to tally up the goals they are going to need to have those "long periods of good play" O'Brien mentioned. "We're wasting time," the coach emphasized. The upcoming road will not be as tough as their previous opponents. 2 of their last three shutouts came against Boston College and Army. The Eagles were ranked fifth in the country at that time and the Black Knights have only allowed three goals this season. Two of those were allowed in their previous game versus Brown. The Stags will try to flush away their Lessing Field scoreless drought against Hartford. Will the tides turn for the 4-4 Stags? Watch as they battle the Hawks on Thursday night at 7PM.
