NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Senior Emily Montgomery (Oshawa, Ont.) had the game-winning penalty kick to help the Niagara University women’s soccer team (6-3-0, 2-0-0) to a 2-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference win over Manhattan College (7-3-1, 0-1-1) Sunday at Niagara Field.

Montgomery scored in the 85th minute when sophomore Stephanie Gartley (Sarnia, Ont.) was taken down in the box. The senior now has six goals this season and 20 career tallies.

The Purple Eagle’s 2-0 weekend marked the first time since 2003 that they opened the MAAC schedule undefeated.

Gartley notched Niagara’s first goal when she had a header that arched just over Manhattan keeper Alicia DeFaino’s reach in the 35th minute.

Lady Jasper Kathleen Kuntz tied the game for Manhattan in the 65th minute when a hand ball in Niagara’s box resulted in a penalty kick.

Niagara goalkeeper Sarah Stephens (Toledo, Ohio) recorded five saves on the day and is now 6-3-0 overall and 2-0-0 in league play. DeFaino had three saves in the first half and Caitlin Trupiano had one in the second.

The Purple Eagles return to action in Lawrenceville, N.J., Oct. 6 when they meet Rider at 3 p.m.