NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s soccer team (2-7-1) lost to regionally-ranked Colgate University (7-3-0), 3-1, Tuesday at Niagara Field. The loss ended the Purple Eagles three-game unbeaten streak, dating back to Sept. 22.
Outshooting Niagara, 22-11, in the contest, Colgate, ranked as the No. 7 team in the New York Region (National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas), rode two first-half goals to record its third consecutive victory.
Raiders senior midfielder Justin Seconi’s follow-up shot inside the Purple Eagles’ six-yard penalty box gave Colgate the early 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. After Niagara junior goalkeeper Eric Sullivan (Traverse City, Mich.) made an initial save on a header by Colgate’s Reed Grimes, Seconi, unmarked in the Niagara box, drove a shot at the Purple Eagles’ net, deflecting into the goal off a Niagara defender.
Seconi’s goal broke a 234 minute shutout streak for the Purple Eagles, which started in the first half of a 3-1 defeat of the University at Buffalo Sept. 22.
Colgate added its second goal of the game with just a second remaining in the opening half, capturing full momentum heading into the second half. Following a Niagara foul near midfield, Raiders junior Bryant Meckley controlled a long service by teammate Kevin Toomey. Meckley, after controlling the ball, turned on the Niagara defense and fired a low shot into the right corner of the net with only a second left on the first-half clock.
In the opening half, the Raiders outshot Niagara, 11-3, controlling much of the play in the Purple Eagles’ defensive third.
Colgate senior forward Jonathan Cook scored the third and final goal for the Raiders in the 60th minute. Following a carom off the Niagara crossbar, Cook hit a high shot into the Purple Eagles’ net, scoring his second goal of the season.
Niagara sophomore Kwame Oduro (Toronto) added a late goal for Niagara in the 83rd minute, however the Purple Eagles were unable to overcome the two-goal deficit.
Raiders freshman goalkeeper Josh Cohen made three saves for his fourth win of the season. Sullivan made three saves for Niagara in the loss.
The Purple Eagles open Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play Friday, traveling to Siena at 3 p.m.
