NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
NIAGARA UNIV, N.Y. — A last second goal upended the Niagara Purple Eagles in their final home game of the season on Saturday.
SYNOPSIS
After a toothless first half, the game sprung to action in the second half. As both teams created goal scoring chances, it was the Gaels who stole the victory with a goal with 21 seconds left in regulation.
SENIORS HONORS
- Prior to the game, the Purple Eagles recognized their senior class – Steve Casey, Hector Solorio Villalpando, Andrew Francisco, Matt Lopoyda, and Bautista Pedezert.
MOMENTS
- Hector Solorio Villapando had Niagara’s first shot with a long range effort that went wide of the post in the 38th minute.
- Steve Casey made two quick point blank saves in the 38th and 39th minutes to keep the Gaels off the scoreboard.
- In the 52nd minute, Bautista Pedezert had his shot on goal saved.
- Casey made key saves in the 79th and 85th minutes to deny Iona.
- Luca Pachecho had two scoring chances in the final minutes. His efforts were saved in 88th and 89 minutes.
- 26 seconds after Pachecho’s shot was saved, Iona grabbed the game-winner when Killiam Colombie sent in his cross into the box to Esad Mackic who hit a half-volley into the inside post.
EAGLE’S EYE ON…
- Steve Casey made five saves in goal in his final collegiate game.
- Luca Pacheco had a team-high two shots on goal.
UP NEXT
- The Purple Eagles conclude their regular season on Wednesday, October 31 versus Marist at 2 p.m.
