NEW YORK — The Columbia men's soccer team broke through with its first goal of the 2024 season but it did not hold up against Fairfield, falling to the Stags, 3-1, Wednesday night at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

Columbia (0-5-0) fell behind just over 30 minutes into the game on a headed goal from William Pierce. However, the Lions responded eight minutes later. Carmine Falco drove the ball deep into the right side of the area, cut back and was fouled by Kris Naicker. The referee blew for a penalty, which sophomore transfer Jack McDaid buried to even the score, 1-1. The goal was the first of McDaid's collegiate career.
 
All that momentum was taken away with 35 seconds remaining in the half. In a reversal of the previous penalty, this time it was Falco who was whistled for fouling Naicker in the box. Pierce stepped up to take the penalty and got Dean Kelliher guessing incorrectly to put the visitors back on top.
 
Fairfield (1-6-0) doubled its advantage less than seven minutes into the second half. Devin Zachry was played through and got a shot from close range off that Kelliher saved. Unfortunately for the Lions, the deflection went straight to Pierce, who converted for the third time on the night, securing a hat-trick and giving his side a two-goal lead.
 
The Lions held Fairfield without a shot the rest of the way but could not cut into the deficit. They got off three successive shots in a matter of seconds during the 66th minute, two of which were blocked before Jack McDaid sent his attempt well over the crossbar into the Baker Athletics Complex lot.
 
The final box score showed Columbia with 11 shots to only five for Fairfield, but the Stags were able to convert on three of them and put four of their five on target. The Lions had three shots on goal and out-cornered the Stags, 2-1.
 
Columbia returns to action on Saturday to host FDU (3-2-3) at 7 p.m.
 
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