NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s soccer team tied the University at Buffalo, 0-0, Tuesday at RAC Field.

Buffalo (1-3-2) controlled play early, outshooting Niagara 8-4 in the first half, but the Purple Eagles (0-4-1) managed to create several scoring chances throughout the remainder of the contest. With five minutes remaining in the first half, an apparent goal by freshman forward Matt Stedman (Lockport, N.Y.) was disallowed after referees conferred and called the Purple Eagles offside on the scoring opportunity.

"After the first half, we really stepped up the performance," head coach Dermot McGrane said, about his team’s play. "We created a lot of good scoring chances and we were really unlucky one of them didn’t go in."

Niagara immediately responded in the second half by aggressively attacking the Buffalo defense, managing to take 10 shots.

With 1:20 left in regulation, sophomore defender Mark Spooner (Derby, England) fired a 30-yard free kick that almost beat Buffalo goalkeeper Brandon Foley low, but was saved off of the goal line.

In overtime, the Purple Eagles carried the play to the Bulls, taking eight shots compared to two shots by Buffalo. However, after 110 minutes of play, the two teams stood even. A last-second volley by Stedman went wide left, ending the game even at 0-0.

Junior goalkeeper Dan O’Shea (East Syracuse, N.Y.) made three saves to earn the third shutout of his career. Foley made one save for the Bulls in the tie.

Niagara outshot Buffalo 22-18 in the game. Stedman and Spooner led the Purple Eagles with five shots each, while senior forward Ricky Fleck (Youngstown, N.Y.) contributed with four shots.

The Purple Eagles visit Binghamton Sept. 24 for a 4 p.m. game.