The Sacred Heart University men’s soccer team secured a 4–3 overtime victory against Fairfield in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) semifinal on Nov. 13 at Park Ave Field.
The win sends Sacred Heart to its first-ever MAAC Championship game, where the Pioneers will face Siena on Sunday, November 16. The match was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and equalizers before Sacred Heart clinched the win in extra time.
Senior captain David Garcia Gallego scored the decisive goal in overtime, heading in a pass from Axier Zeberio Guereno. Garcia Gallego also contributed two assists during the match. Ivan Morcillo added two goals for Sacred Heart, including a penalty kick that temporarily put his team ahead in the second half. Danny Istambouli recorded one goal and one assist.
Fairfield responded throughout regulation with goals from Sean Albritton, Cameron Garber, and Cole Dougherty. The Stags managed to tie the game three times before falling short in overtime. Goalkeeper Luca Marinelli made four saves for Sacred Heart while conceding three goals; Evan Chomow of Fairfield had six saves but allowed four goals.
This result marks Sacred Heart’s first home playoff win since joining the MAAC and highlights key performances by Garcia Gallego and Istambouli, who each scored their sixth goal of the season. The Pioneers now prepare to host Siena for the conference title at Park Ave Field on Sunday.
