There are some non-conference matchups that matter more than others for the men’s soccer team.

In addition to being an in-state rivalry game, Yale’s upcoming match against Fairfield (2-3) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Reese Stadium is of extra significance since none of the players on the Elis’ roster has ever defeated the Stags.

The Bulldogs (3-2-1, 0-0 Ivy) have fared well in their first two contests against other Connecticut teams, having tied Sacred Heart 0-0 and defeated Quinnipiac 2-0. Yet this one is different, considering Yale’s recent struggles against the Stags.

The Elis have lost their last two meetings with Fairfield, falling 1-0 last year away and by a score of 3-1 at home the year before.

Although the Bulldogs won a share of the Ivy League Title in 2005, they were unable to defeat the Stags, drawing 1-1 at Fairfield.

That encounter was especially memorable for captain and defender Alex Guzinski ’09, who scored his first career goal for the Bulldogs off a free kick.

“Our class has never beaten them,” he said. “They’re a very organized team. Every time we play, it’s a heck of a game.”