FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Alessandro Franciosa scored a 77th-minute equalizer from the penalty spot to help the Columbia men's soccer team secure a draw, 1-1, against Fairfield on Wednesday night at Lessing Field.
 
The penalty was drawn by first year Henning Myrvang. With the Lions applying pressure, sophomore Andres Garcia sent a floating cross to the far post. Myrvang attempted to play it but was fouled by Fairfield defender Jahmani Stapleton. The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, even confirming his decision after a video review.
 
Franciosa, a senior from Topsfield, Massachusetts, stepped up to take the penalty. He took two strides and struck it perfectly into the top-left corner, past the outstretched hand of keeper Evan Chomow. It was Franciosa's first collegiate goal, as he ran toward the Columbia bench in celebration.
 
The goal inspired Columbia's play over the final 13 minutes. Myrvang got off a look just a few minutes later, blasting a shot from 12 yards out that was blocked away. Later on, the Lions raced down the field with numbers but Jackson ten Oever's shot from the top-right portion of the penalty area sailed high.
 
In all, Columbia (0-1-2) got off eight shots in the second half, seven of which came in the final 20 minutes. It was a vast improvement in both attempts and possession from the first half, in which Fairfield (2-2-1) scored and had the ball in the Columbia half for the majority of the 45 minutes.
 
Fairfield's opening goal came off a turnover deep in Columbia's half. Alex Vaz poked the ball away, turned, and fired a rocket from outside the box, giving the Stags the lead in the blink of an eye.
 
The Lions held the score there for the rest of the half. They then looked for their footing over the first 10 minutes of the second half before beginning to apply pressure and eventually earning the equalizer.
 
Columbia returns to New York to prepare for a home matchup on Monday, September 15, against Manhattan (1-3-1). First kick from Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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