NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – In a fairly even match, the Niagara men’s soccer team couldn’t find its scoring touch, as Saint Peter’s defeated the Purple Eagles 1-0 in overtime Friday afternoon at Niagara Field. The loss ended Niagara’s three-game unbeaten streak and dropped the team to 4-8-2 (2-3-1 MAAC), while Saint Peter’s moves to 11-3-1 (4-3-1 MAAC).

Although Niagara was outshot 25-10 in the game, very few of Saint Peter’s shots actually made it on goal. Niagara’s defenders managed to block seven Peacock shots, including five in the first half.

The Purple Eagles’ clearest scoring opportunity came in the 70th minute when freshman Levi Tesch (Wolcott, N.Y.) freed himself near the top of the box and drilled a shot from 20 yards. But SPC’s Matthew Lawlor had a clear view of the attempt and came up with the save.

Junior Matthew Durand (Melbourne, Australia), who led the team with three shots, had a few chances of his own, but his efforts all went high.

Niagara thought it had won the game near the end of regulation, but junior Stephen Kauble (Canal Winchester, Ohio) was called offside. Niagara’s strikers appeared a little too eager all game, as the team was whistled for a season-high seven offside calls.

Senior goalkeeper Jason Whitehead (Middletown, N.Y.) earned his third start and recorded a career-high six saves, including two key stops in the second half. Whitehead, who did not have to make a save in the first half, dove to his left to deny Chris Abreu’s attempt at 54:37 and made a spectacular reflex save near the end of regulation to keep the score tied at 0-0. Freshman defender Matt Hynes (Rochester, N.Y.), who has proven to be a steady influence on the right flank, also had a strong game, making key tackles, including an important clearance near the end of the second half.

But Saint Peter’s offensive pressure proved too much, as Murphy Wiredu was able to slip the ball by Whitehead for the game-winning goal less than five minutes into the first overtime period.

Niagara will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday when it faces Manhattan at noon. The game will be broadcast on a tape delay basis by LCTV and air later Sunday night at 7 p.m. on cable channel 20.