This past Sunday, the Fairfield Women's Club Soccer team battled hard against UConn in their season opener. While the match ended in a 4-0 loss, Fairfield fought to keep themselves in the game. Just coming off of the heels of tryouts, Junior Captain Ava Koziol ('27) shared, "We've never had a practice or a game so this is our first game together with all the new girls." Despite this, the new team debut shows promise for a successful season, powered by a growing team chemistry. After some training, the Stags believe that they will use this loss as momentum for future games. 

The first half of this game started off strong with Fairfield forcefully pressing out against UConn.  Fairfield's offense connected quickly with short passes to advance up the field, but unfortunately was not able to generate clear scoring chances. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Bella Fuierer ('26) made 9 incredible saves in the first half, only allowing two goals. Fairfield was also able to showcase their defense by not conceding any goals off of UConn's 4 corner kicks that half. 

At the start of the second half, the Stags returned to the pitch with high energy and grit, maintaining strong pressure on the Huskies. However, UConn capitalized two goals against goalie Olivia Gedaminsky ('28) in the second half, despite her solid 6 saves. Reflecting on the game, Junior Captain Sydney Green ('27) highlighted the team's growth, even within a single game. "The first half we were just getting used to everyone's names," she said. "Even just in the second half…we stepped it up from the first half and were moving the ball better, so I think for the next game we're going to keep moving from there." 

Preparing for the next games, both captain's reflected on their goals for the season. "The most recent goal is to win later… but I'm excited for everyone to get really close and play better together," shares Koziol. Green added, "Every year we just get so close and we feel like sisters at the end of it." Though the scoreboard didn't reflect their effort, spirits are up for the Stags!