OLEAN — The Purple Eagles men’s soccer team wrapped up its 2016 non-conference slate with a match at St. Bonaventure. Niagara goalkeeper Steve Casey made three saves in the match, but could not stop a breakaway attempt from the Bonnies in the 36th minute. That goal was the difference in a 1-0 Niagara loss Sunday afternoon at Marra Complex.

Niagara’s defense held the St. Bonaventure attack at bay in the opening 15 minutes as the Bonnies took the first three shots of the match, with Casey stopping the Bonnies’ Paul Afful at the five-minute mark. Forward Sergio Lujan, Niagara’s leading returning goal scorer, made his first start of the season on Sunday after making his season debut as a substitute Thursday versus Buffalo. Lujan fired off two shots in the first 20 minutes, neither finding the back of the net. After Niagara failed to strike on a free kick opportunity, St. Bonaventure countered and scored the eventual game-winning goal. Noel Orozco found Jacob Dyck behind the Niagara defense, and he flicked a shot over Casey for the breakaway goal.

St. Bonaventure maintained early possession early in the second half, but Niagara started to tilt the field just past the 70th minute. Niagara had three shots in the final 20 minutes of play
Bautista Pedezert had the best chance of the second half for Niagara in the 76th minute, launching a 15-yard shot just over the crossbar.

Niagara has a week off before opening MAAC play at Quinnipiac. Opening kick between the Purple Eagles and Bobcats is slated for 2 p.m. on Sept. 25.

from PurpleEagles.com via IFTTT




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