NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY – Niagara was held off the scoreboard for the second time this season as Buffalo earned a 2-0 win over the Purple Eagles in Sunday afternoon’s non-conference match from Niagara Field.
How it Happened
Buffalo notched two first half goals to defeat the Purple Eagles, the first came in the seventh minute of action following a Niagara foul right inside the box that led to indirect free kick, followed by the second in the 15th minute of play as the Bull goal scorer lofted a ball over Felicia Grufman’s head for the tally.
Amanda Cripps and Emily Hahnel would both send shots high of their intended target in the 16th and 18th minutes of play, followed by a Cripps shot that was saved by the UB keeper. Freshman Isabella Mazzaferro would take her first shot of the contest in the 28th minute, but her attempt was also thwarted by the Buffalo goalie.
In the 38th minute, Hahnel would send a free kick toward the back post, finding the head of Cripps, who’s shot attempt would carom off the right woodwork, keeping Niagara off the board. Cripps would take NU’s final shot of the first half but the score would remain 2-0 in favor of UB heading into the break.
In the second half, UB would nearly take a 3-0 lead on a shot from 20 yards out that went off the crossbar.
The Purple Eagles lone shot on goal in the second half came in the 67th minute of play from Mazzaferro but her left footed effort was stopped by the visiting goalie.
Kelsey Riordan would come into a relieve an injured Grufman in the 74th minute and immediately make her first two career saves to keep the score at 2-0.
Cripps had a breakaway opportunity in the 77th minute, but her attempt went high.
Niagara Notes
• Niagara drops to 11-22-1 all-time against UB.
• Riordan’s nine minutes of action were the first of her collegiate career.
• Prior to exiting the game, Grufman had made five saves.
• Cripps led NU with five shots.
• Niagara was held scoreless for the second time this season.
Up Next
• The Purple and White open MAAC play at home on Sunday, Sep. 9 with a noon match against reigning MAAC Champion Quinnipiac.
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