POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The women's soccer team is set to host two MAAC Conference opponents this weekend when they welcome Fairfield and Iona to Tenney Stadium. Coming off three consecutive hard fought victories, the Red Foxes look to extend their winning streak and keep momentum. The Red Foxes look to protect their strong record at home (4-1) while preparing for two opponents they could possibly meet in the MAAC Championships.
Last Time Out: In a hotly-contested game last weekend, Marist knocked off rival Siena by a score of 2-1. Marist was constantly on the attack firing eleven shots on goal against Siena's Taylor Booth. The Red Foxes struck first with a goal by Rycke Guiney, but Siena responded two minutes later. In the seventy-second minute, Melanie Rigo fired a shot on goal, and after a deflection of the keeper, Amanda Epstein headed in the game winning goal for Marist.
For the game, Marist recorded eleven shots on goal to Siena's four. Andrea Wicks made four saves in net for Marist, who controlled the tempo all game.
Last Meetings: While this will be the first time Marist is playing Fairfield this year, the two teams had a pair of classic matchups in 2011. After beating the Stags in a hard-fought 1-0 match during the regular season, the two teams met again in the semifinals of the MAAC tournament. After a 1-1 tie in regulation, the Red Foxes advanced in penalty kicks, 3-2. When Marist faced Iona on the road last season on Sept. 30, the Red Foxes won 4-1 on the strength of two goals and an assist by Rycke Guiney.
Scouting Fairfield: The Stags are 7-3-2 and have won their last four games. They hold an undefeated record of 4-0 in conference play, which puts them atop the conference standings with 12 points, (Marist is tied for second with 9 points). Fairfield is led by Lauren Reilly and Shannon Fay, who both have 3 goals. Fay leads the Stags with 8 points, but the team is defined by a stout defense. They have only allowed more than two or more goals twice all season and are led in goal by the duo of Kathleen Early (0.69 gaa and .878 save pct.) and Veronica Saez (0.97 gaa and .833 save pct.)
Common opponents: The Stags are 3-1 versus opponents in common with Marist; they have defeated Wagner,1-0, Niagara 2-0 and Canisius 3-1, while falling to Fordham 4-1.
Scouting Iona: Iona comes into this weekend with a 5-6-2 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play. The Gaels are coming off of three consecutive victories over Rider, Canisius and Niagara. The Gaels are led offensively by Samantha Fiorenzo who has scored three goals and an assist. Sofia Sanchez and Melissa Frederick are the only other Gaels with multiple goals as they both have two markers. In goal, Trista Rivera has played every minute for Iona and posted a 1.24 gaa and a .788 save percentage.
Common opponents: The Gaels are 2-1-1 versus opponents in common with Marist; they have defeated Canisius 2-1, Niagara 2-1, while tying NJIT, 1-1 and losing to Temple 1-0.
Marist vs. The MAAC:
Through 14 games of regular season action here is where the Red Foxes rank amongst its conference competitors ...
Team ...
#2 Points per Game - 4.43
#2 Goals per Game - 1.57
#2 Total Assists - 18
#1 Shots per Game - 17.50
#3 Total Shutouts - 4
#6 Goals Against Average - 1.28
Rycke Guiney ...
#2 Total Points - 12
#3 Total Goals - 5
Amanda Epstein ...
#2 Total Assists - 4
#9 Total Points - 8
Chelsea Botta ...
#4 Total Goals - 4
#5 Total Points - 9
Samantha Panzner ...
#2 Total Assists - 4
#9 Total Points - 8
Marjana Maksuti ...
#4 Total Goals - 4
#9 Total Points - 8
Andrea Wicks ...
#7 Goals Against Average - 1.35
#9 Save Percentage - .750
