NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s soccer team (0-3-0) suffered a heartbreaking loss to High Point University (3-0-0) Saturday at Niagara Field, losing, 2-1, in double-overtime at the Niagara Falls Classic.

Miraculously, with 24 seconds remaining in regulation, the Purple Eagles tied the game on a goal by sophomore forward Jeff Densk (Baldwinsville, N.Y.), sending the contest into overtime. In the 90th minute, Densk ran onto a through-ball from teammate Frank Sirianni (Grand Island) in the Panthers penalty area and beat High Point goalkeeper Matt Long with a high shot into the roof of the net.

Even play ensued in both the first and second overtime periods, with both teams having equal scoring chances and both taking two shots.

In the 104th minute, Panthers freshman midfielder Gordon Smith broke free from the mark of Niagara defender Paul VandenBoomen (Victoria, B.C.) on the right edge of the Purple Eagles penalty box. Smith, receiving a diagonal ball from teammate Richard Hanson, controlled the ball and beat Niagara senior goalkeeper Dan O’Shea (East Syracuse, N.Y.) with a high shot to the near post, ending the game. Smith had entered the game as a substitute prior to the second overtime period, not seeing any action prior.

After a scoreless first half, High Point sophomore Chris Archer got behind the Purple Eagles defense and skillfully chipped a bouncing ball over O’Shea, converting the one-on-one opportunity to score his second goal of the season and give the Panthers a one-goal lead in the 78th minute.

Continuing to attack the High Point net following Archer’s goal, Mark Spooner’s (Mickleover, England) 25-yard free-kick attempt was turned away by Long in the 72nd minute. Spooner had beaten the Panther wall, however his shot was deflected over the bar by Long, denying the Purple Eagles the equalizer.

Just two minutes later, a Matt Stedman (Lockport) one-on-one chance was blocked by Long, who finished with six saves in his third win of the season.

Densk’s game-tying goal came minutes following Stedman’s attempt. For Densk, it was the first goal of his collegiate career.

Shots were, 19-18, in favor of the Purple Eagles. O’Shea finished with seven saves in the loss.

In other action at Niagara Field, Stony Brook scored three consecutive goals to defeat Canisius, 3-2.

Niagara returns to action Sunday, hosting Stony Brook at 1:30 p.m. Canisius plays High Point at 11 a.m. in Sunday’s other contest. Admission to all Niagara Falls Classic games is free.