Box Score
FAIRFIELD, CONN. – Freshman Kevin Lockhart stepped up in a big way on Friday night in Connecticut, scoring the game-winner as LIU Brooklyn defeated Fairfield 2-1.
Fairfield controlled the shot advantage throughout the first half, until Tanner Sica was able to get the first look on goal for the Blackbirds in the 23rd minute.
The Blackbirds were able to keep the ball in Fairfield territory, and 35 seconds later, the Blackbirds got on the board after an own goal from Fairfield.
The Stags, however, found the equalizer with 2:39 remaining in the first half on a cross from Reco McLaren to push the score to 1-1 heading into halftime.
Fairfield came out strong in the second half, firing off four shots in the first 12 minutes while also earning two corner kicks, but strong defense from the Blackbirds and senior goalkeeper John Connolly kept the Stags at bay.
Fairfield continued to keep the ball on the LIU's side of the field, but the Blackbirds were able to break out in the 66th minute and bring the ball down. Sophomore midfielder Nahuel Medina took his first shot of the game, but the ball was high.
Sophomore forward Shaun Daly had another shot attempt for the Blackbirds moments later which fell just wide of the goal. McLaren responded for the Stags with a blocked shot. Both teams continued to battle back and forth across the field.
LIU Brooklyn's defense came up with a huge play in the 83rd minute after Connolly came out of the goal to grab attempt to make a save, leaving the net open for Fairfield, but the shot was kicked away to keep the score at 1-1. Connolly then came up with another save moments later. A foul on the Stags gave the Blackbirds a free kick to put the ball in front of the goal but LIU could not find the shot.
The Blackbirds were able to notch the winning goal with less than two minutes left in the game however, when an assist from Tanner Sica found Lockhart on the left side of the pitch. Lockhart's shot sailed past the Fairfield goalkeeper to put the LIU up 2-1 late in the game. The team was able to hold on and take their second win of the season, as well as the second one on the road.
The Blackbirds continue their road trip on Tuesday when they travel to West Point, N.Y. to take on Army at 7:00 p.m.