SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles dropped their first contest of the season falling to Union 3-2 on Friday night at M&T Bank Center.
The Purple Eagles struck first at 5:13 when Maxim Muranov capitalized, beating Garnet Chargers netminder Cameron Korpi for his fourth goal of the season. The freshman took a feed from Nathan Oickle and Lane Brockhoff.
At the 13:53 mark, Union broke through to knot the game up at one. Tyler Dunbar beat Purple Eagles goaltender Deivs Rolovs assisted by Colby MacArthur and Parker Lindauer.
The period ended deadlocked at 1-1, with Union holding a 17-6 edge in shots. Rolovs’ 16 saves in the frame kept Niagara within striking distance.
The Purple Eagles needed just 71 seconds to regain the lead. Marshall Finnie, set up by Mitchell Becker and Spencer Young, beat Korpi at 1:11 for his third goal of the season. The quick strike gave Niagara a 2-1 advantage..
Union received two power play opportunities in the period, but the Purple Eagles were able to hold strong and end the period with a 2-1 lead.
Union held a 32-13 advantage through 40 minutes, but Rolovs once again kept the Purple Eagles ahead.
The Garnet Chargers tied the game at 6:14 when Connor Smith beat Rolovs with Riley Brueck assisting on the play.
At 13:46, Brandon Buhr netted what would prove to be the game-winning goal on the power play. Etienne Lessard and Ben Muthersbaugh assisted on the goal.
Niagara tried to equalize, pulling Rolovs for an extra attacker with 1:29 remaining. The Purple Eagles managed to generate some pressure, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
The final shots on goal totaled 47-18 in Union’s favor, with Rolovs making 44 saves in a losing effort.
Game Notes
Niagara is now 0-10-1 all-time against Union
Muranov extended his team lead in goals to 4 with his tally
Nathan Oickle recorded his first point of the season assisting on Muranov’s goal
Rolovs recorded a career-high 44 saves
Up Next
Niagara wraps up the weekend series with Union Oct. 18 at 8 pm at M&T Bank Center.
Courtesy of Niagara University Athletics.
