POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s soccer team (2-8-2, 0-1-1) lost its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game of the season, falling, 1-0, to Marist College (5-4-0, 2-0-0) Sunday at Leonindoff Field.

A first-half goal by Marist sophomore midfielder Anthony Graci led the Red Foxes to the one-goal victory. As Niagara failed to clear the ball out of their goalmouth, Graci was able to move in for the finish, hitting the loose ball past Purple Eagles goalkeeper Eric Sullivan (Traverse City, Mich.) for his team-leading sixth goal of the season in the 33rd minute.

Niagara continued to battle following Graci’s goal, but were only able to take nine shots in the contest, allowing 25 shots by the Red Foxes. Marist took 11 shots on goal, allowing only one shot on its net in the 90 minutes of play.

Marist senior goalkeeper Mike Valenti made one save for his second consecutive shutout, not allowing a goal in his past 351:18 of play. Sullivan made nine saves for Niagara in the loss.

The Purple Eagles host Fairfield and Iona in MAAC action at Niagara Field next weekend.