Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University played to a draw in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s soccer regular-season finale on Nov. 5 at Park Ave Field.
The match was significant as it featured crosstown rivals competing for momentum heading into the postseason. Sacred Heart finished the regular season with an 8-3-4 overall record and a 7-0-3 mark in conference play, while Fairfield ended at 7-4-5 overall and 5-1-4 in the MAAC.
Fairfield took an early lead in the 10th minute when Sean Albritton scored against Sacred Heart goalkeeper Luca Marinelli. Sacred Heart responded in the second half, with Danny Istambouli converting a free kick in the 63rd minute to tie the game. Four minutes later, senior captain David Garcia Gallego put Sacred Heart ahead with a goal into the top-left corner. However, Albritton scored again for Fairfield in the 76th minute to level the match. Sacred Heart goalkeeper Nate DiLoreto made two key saves late in the game to preserve the draw.
Sacred Heart held advantages in shots on goal (6–5) and corners (5–3). Both Garcia Gallego and Istambouli reached their fifth goals of the season during this match. The Pioneers also achieved their highest points total for a season since 2011.
Looking ahead, Sacred Heart will host the second round of the MAAC tournament on Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m.
