McDaid’s 5-Point Match Leads Lions Back to Draw Fairfield, 3-3

Saturday, September 5

New York, N.Y.

4:00 p.m.

Columbia

0-1-1, 0-0-0

Fairfield

1-1-2, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Fairfield	2	1	3
Columbia	1	2	3

Match Book Highlights

MSOC: Columbia vs. Fairfield (Sept. 5, 2026)

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Lem Photography

McDaid’s 5-Point Match Leads Lions Back to Draw Fairfield, 3-3

9/5/2026 7:27:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Highlights Match Book McDaid Postgame Interview Photo Gallery

Columbia rallies back from 2-0 deficit to earn a point at home

NEW YORK — Behind a five-point performance from Jack McDaid and another goal from first-year Ethan Heyward, Columbia fought back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw against Fairfield on Saturday afternoon at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.

With the hard-fought draw, the Lions move to 0-1-1 on the young season. Fairfield moves to 1-1-2.

Fairfield struck first in the 26th minute when Cameron Gerber sent in a long free kick that bounced through the box, missed everybody, and found the back of the net. Less than three minutes later, the Stags doubled their lead as Jett Aktan fed Cristian Ortiz in stride for an 18-yard strike past Kai Zeruhn.

Columbia cut the deficit in half in the 33rd minute. Heyward got in behind and helped draw a handball from his defender, Liam McElderry, who was trying to play the ball away from Heyward in a dangerous position. McDaid stepped up to the spot and calmly converted his first penalty kick of the afternoon to make it 2-1 heading into the break.

The Lions applied heavy pressure in the second half, outshooting Fairfield 10-4 across the final 45 minutes. In the 67th minute, McDaid drew a foul inside the 18-yard box and the referee whistled for another penalty. Once again, the senior stepped up and coolly converted his second penalty of the match to bring the Lions level.

Columbia completed the comeback in the 73rd minute off a set piece. Jack McDaid delivered a corner kick into the box that was headed back by his twin brother Joe McDaid. The headed ball bounced toward the top of area and Heward charged in. The rookie out of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, buried a finish into the roof of the net from close range. The tally was Heyward's second goal in as many matches to start his collegiate career.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Fairfield answered just over a minute later. Drew Thompson sent a cross into the area that Cristiano Carlos perfectly headed into the top-right corner to knot the score at 3-3.

Columbia pushed hard for a game-winner down the stretch, generating late shots on goal from Henning Myrvang and Peter Chang, but Fairfield goalkeeper Evan Chomow turned both aside to keep the match deadlocked. Chomow finished with six saves.

Columbia will hit the road for three consecutive matches, beginning with a short trip to face local rival Fordham on Wednesday, September 9. Kickoff in the Bronx is scheduled for 7 p.m.

FOLLOW THE LIONS:
For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@CULionsMSOC), on Facebook (ColumbiaMensSoccer), or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com.