NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
WEST HARTFORD, C.T. — A strong start to the second half was punctuated by a Dylan Avila goal that put Niagara up on an opponent for the first time this season. The Purple Eagles (1-3-0) later conceded an equalizer and played more than 18 extra minutes before Luca Pacheco converted a penalty kick in the 109th minute to defeat Hartford (0-3-1) on Monday afternoon.
Match Moments
- 22′ – Niagara’s first threat of the day came after the front end drew a corner from nine yards out. Danilo Pekovic curled the first one in and Absolom Solorio Villalpando followed the second from the opposite side of the net.
- 46′ – Coming out of the half, Niagara began applying more consistent pressure, which began to pay off after Mackenzie Roach earned the game’s first shot on net.
- 52′ – Dylan Avila reeled in a pass from Matt Lopoyda and worked the ball around a defender and the goaltender to kiss it off the post and in, giving Niagara a 1-0 lead.
- 56′ – Luigi Boa Morte added another shot on goal as the Purple Eagles continued to press and take a 3-0 advantage in shots on net and level total shot opportunities at 3-3 after Hartford took the first three shots of the game in the first half.
- 108′ – Heavy physical play from the Hawks earned the Purple Eagles a free kick from about 45 yards out. The ball sailed in and created the play that led to the Niagara penalty kick.
- 109′ – The official awarded Niagara a penalty kick and Pacheco made the most of it, sliding it low and to the goalkeeper’s right.
Coach’s Corner
- Head coach Bill Boyle: “Every player’s support was essential today and this team deserves the victory. Every player that was called on did their part and the bench created the energy we needed to pull this out in double OT and extreme heat. Hartford is a very good team, and both teams overcame questionable calls all game. We showed our maturity to not allow it to rattle us and stuck to the plan. This group continues to grow every day and we enjoy each other and value every day.”
Beyond the Boxscore
- Last season, Niagara played four games that went beyond 90 minutes. They had a record of 0-2-2 in those contests, with three of those games being decided in or after the second overtime.
Up Next
- The Purple Eagles will swing through Virginia for a pair of games against Liberty and VMI. They’ll face the Flames on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. before taking on the Keydets at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9.
