NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Niagara had one of its best seasons in recent campaigns come to an end on Thursday as the Purple Eagles were defeated by the two-time defending MAAC Champion Monmouth Hawks, 3-0, in the MAAC Tournament Semifinals.
SYNOPSIS
Top-seeded Monmouth Hawks dominated possession and chances early, which led to two goals in 11 minutes. The Purple Eagles had limited scoring chances against one of the best defenses in college soccer – Monmouth ranks fourth in the nation in goals against average – as their season ended against the Hawks in the MAAC Tournament for the second straight season.
MOMENTS
- Madie Gibson, the 2018 MAAC Rookie of the Year, gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead after six minutes with a far post shot in the box.
- The Hawks went up 2-0 five minutes later when Jill Conklin struck a long range shot into the top corner.
- Monmouth added its third in the 24th minute when Jazlyn Moya’s shot was initially stopped by Shania van Nuland, but the ball ricochet off the post and over the line before van Nuland could keep it out.
- Ida Miceli, an All-MAAC Rookie Team selection, had Niagara’s best scoring chance in the 57thminute. Miceli made a run in the box and received a through ball, but her shot sailed over the cross bar.
EAGLE’S EYE ON…
- Shania van Nuland made seven saves in her final collegiate game.
- Ashley LoFranco led Niagara with three total shots.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- The Purple Eagles finished the season with double digits wins (10) and advanced to the MAAC Tournament Semifinals for the first time since 2014.
