MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – After playing a scoreless match for 75 minutes, a pair of defensive lapses cost the Niagara women’s soccer team as it fell to Central Michigan, 2-0, Sunday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The loss drops the Purple Eagles to 3-3-0 on the season, while the Chippewas improve to 4-2-0.

"It was a frustrating game," head coach Peter Veltri said. "We just weren’t sharp today. We made a few mistakes and the other team was able to capitalize on the mistakes."

A defensive miscue by Niagara led to the Chippewas first goal, and CMU’s Stephanie Martin made no mistake on the shot, hitting the inside of the left post, out of the reach of Niagara’s Sarah Stephens (Toledo, Ohio). Central Michigan added an insurance goal in the 84th minute off another Niagara misstep. The Chippewa’s took advantage of a missed marking assignment, as Martin found an open Amanda Waugh, whose 12-yard shot found the back of the net.

Although the Purple Eagles were outshot 18-7 on the day, NU created some good scoring opportunities but were unsuccessful in hitting the final pass as the Central Michigan keeper cut off several Niagara crosses. Sophomore Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) and freshman Emily McElroy (Liverpool, N.Y.) led Niagara in shots with two apiece, while Stephens and freshman Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) each played a half in goal.

Niagara continues its road trip when it faces Cornell on Friday, Sept. 21, before traveling to St. Bonaventure on Sunday, Sept. 23.