STAFF REPORTS
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Thanks in part to the goalkeeping efforts of freshman Josh Savoni, the Niagara men’s soccer team had a golden chance to put a blemish on Duquesne’s unbeaten record in 2019. Goals late in each half, however, upended the Purple Eagles’ chances, as they battled to a 2-1 defeat.
Match Moments
- 24′ – Niagara and Duquesne exchanged shots on net, with both goalies stopped each chance. For the Purple Eagles, Josh Savoni stopped the Dukes in the defensive half before Luca Pacheco got off a shot of his own.
- 51′ – Niagara pressured early in the second half, looking for a tying goal, but attempts by Jayson Repine and Federico Cugge missed the mark.
- 66′ – Savoni made his fifth save of the half to hold things at 1-0 Duquesne.
- 80′ – Still needing an equalizer, Mackenzie Roach managed a shot that was ultimately stopped by the goalie.
- 85′ – A pass from Matthew Krucko-Moeller found its way to Rodrigo Almeida, who slotted the ball home to level the game at 1-1 with regulation rapidly expiring.
- 88′ – Minutes later, Almeida had another shot blocked before it could slip through the defense.
Coach’s Corner
- Head coach Bill Boyle: “We had some lapses in the game and played tentative the end of the first half. I am happy we dug ourselves out with some big plays but we have to play 90 [minutes]. At this level you can’t take breaks, but we had some positive performances from more guys so our depth is getting better.”
Up Next
- A double dose of home matches is on tap for the Purple Eagles this weekend. Niagara opens things up with a Friday night showdown against Hartford, then hosts Yale in a Sunday matinee.
