NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University men’s soccer team (0-4-0) fell to Stony Brook University (3-0-0), 1-0, Sunday at the Niagara Falls Classic at Niagara Field.
Despite outshooting the Seawolves, 20-14, in the contest, the Purple Eagles were unable to convert numerous scoring opportunities in the closing moments of the game. Shot after shot taken by Niagara either missed the target or was turned away by Stony Brook goalkeeper John Moschella, who ended the game with four saves.
Niagara’s final scoring chance came when sophomore Rafael Venturini (Vitoria, Brazil) lined up a free kick 20 yards from the Stony Brook net with under three minutes remaining in regulation. Unfortunately for the Purple Eagles, the shot was blocked by the Seawolve wall, deflected wide of the Stony Brook goal.
Stony Brook took the lead in the 57th minute when freshman Tamer Mohamed received a cross from teammate Shaniel Headley on the left side of the Niagara penalty area. Unmarked and able to break free to receive the cross, Mohamed drove the ball high past Purple Eagles goalkeeper Eric Sullivan (Traverse City, Mich.) to score the game-winning goal for the Seawolves.
Leading Niagara with seven shots in the game, sophomore forward Matt Stedman (Lockport) drew the first scoring chance for the Purple Eagles in the 11th minute. Left open on the right side of the net, Stedman volleyed a diagonal cross wide of the Seawolve net, missing a chance to provide Niagara with the early lead.
Down 1-0 in the 75th minute, a header by sophomore Jeff Densk (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) from six yards away from the Stony Brook goal flew over the crossbar, as Densk, who scored late against High Point Saturday, was unable to tie the game for Niagara for a second consecutive game.
Following the game, both Densk and Stedman were named to the Niagara Falls Classic All-Tournament team.
Although allowing Mohamed’s goal early in the second half, Sullivan made several saves in the closing moments of the contest, including stopping a one-on-one break by Stony Brook junior Chris Megaloudis in the 85th minute. Sullivan finished with four saves in the loss.
In Sunday’s other contest, Canisius defeated High Point, 2-1, winning its first game of the season.
Niagara returns to action Wednesday, traveling to St. Bonaventure for a non-conference game at 4 p.m.
Niagara Falls Classic All-Tournament Team
Stony Brook - Rob Fucci, Mike Salvador, Zach Norwood, John Moschella
Canisius - Brian Brehm, Fabian Lewis, Chris Robey
High Point - Rick Hanson, Chris Archer
Niagara - Jeff Densk, Matt Stedman
