JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Saint Peter's University men's soccer team battled the elements and the Stags on Friday afternoon as the team came away with its first victory of the season, defeating Fairfield 4-3 in Jersey City. The Peacocks started the game trailing 2-0, but a late first-half goal and a dominant three-goal performance in the second half lifted the team to their season-opening victory.
Seniors
Dominic Laws and
Jordan Jowers combined for the team's four goals against the Stags, as Laws notched the first Saint Peter's goal of the day at the 39' mark while adding one in the latter half of action. Both of Jowers' goals then came off crucial penalty kicks in the second half, which included the game winner in the 75th minute. Already having to contend with a stout Fairfield defense, the Peacocks also battled against 20+ mile per hour winds in the second half to finish the game on top.
Game Notes
- The Peacocks started off with the wind at their backs on Friday, as Laws, Jowers, and classmate Tom Coulson combined for three shots in the first seven minutes of action.
- Saint Peter's remained on the offensive attack for the next 19 minutes, but Fairfield was able to get on the board first after finding the top right corner of the Peacocks' net in the 26th minute.
- Less than four minutes later, the Stags struck again, increasing their lead on the day to 2-0.
- Laws found the back of the netting for the Peacocks' first goal of the day off his own rebound in the 39th minute, after his original shot came from a key header from fellow senior Philip Smith to keep the play alive.
- Jowers was then able to level the score early in the second half, beating the Fairfield keeper on his first penalty kick of the day to tie things up at 2-2 with 40 minutes left to play.
- Laws buried his second score of the day at the 70' mark, deflecting a powerful shot from Smith which handed the team its first lead of the contest.
- The Stags responded quickly with their own penalty kick only five minutes later, once again evening the score at 3-3.
- Jowers and the Peacocks would not be denied though, as the Middlesbrough, England native scored the golden goal on his second penalty kick of the day to give the blue and white a 4-3 edge.
- A stout back line was then able to hold the Stags to just two shots and three corner kicks in the remaining 15 minutes as Saint Peter's finished out the 4-3 victory.
Inside the Numbers
- The Peacocks continue their regular season dominance at home, now improving to a perfect 7-0 in their last seven regular season outings in Jersey City.
- Laws has now amassed six 2+ goal outings in his collegiate career, while Jowers now holds four multi-goal performances during his time with Saint Peter's.
- Eight Peacocks went the distance on Friday, playing all 90 minutes of regulation.
- The outcome marks the team's second straight 4-3 victory over the Stags after last season's overtime win in Fairfield on October 5.
- The Peacocks have now walked away victorious in two straight season openers after defeating Saint Joseph's 2-1 in last year's inaugural contest on August 30, 2019.
Coach's Quotes - Julian Richens
- "Delighted to see our lads in the Saint Peter's shirt once again. Just happy for them that they have the opportunity to play once again. It was an incredible game in atrocious wind which made it difficult for both teams."
- "To come back from two down at this level shows the quality and togetherness of our team. We created chances throughout the game, very fitting that Dominic and Jordan had two apiece. They are a handful."
- "Credit to Marco Torino and Alex Garcia, both coming off lengthy injuries and to perform as well as they did - straight into our first conference matchup is great to see."
Up Next
- The Peacocks will remain in Jersey City to host Quinnipiac at Joseph J. Jaroschak Field on Monday, March 29. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.
