NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara men’s soccer team will look for its first win on Wednesday when it travels the familiar route to the Buffalo campus for a 7 p.m. matchup with the Bulls.

Following a disappointing 2-0 season-opening loss on Sunday in which the Purple Eagles outshot Cleveland State, 17-15, including 10-5 in the second half, Niagara will look to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season when it faces an experienced Buffalo squad.

Against Cleveland State, the Purple Eagles suffered an early setback when Niagara was credited with an own goal after a Viking cross was deflected into the net by an NU defender. Sophomore goalkeeper John Fiutowksi (Ottawa, Ont.) kept Niagara within striking distance, posting a career-high 10 saves, including thwarting a pair of 1-on-1 opportunities by the Viking forwards.

Wednesday’s matchup could prove to be a midfield battle as both teams have struggled in the attacking third of the field. The Bulls, who boast seven upperclassmen in their starting lineup, are 0-2-0 on the season after dropping a pair of matches to Fairfield and Fairleigh Dickinson at the St. John’s Nike Classic over the weekend. Buffalo has also struggled offensively as the Bulls have yet to score a goal this season. UB is averaging just 6.5 shots per game and have managed only three total shots on goal.

Last season the two teams battled to a 2-2 tie in which the Purple Eagles led 2-0 with less than 14 minutes remaining in regulation, but the Bulls erupted for two unaswered goals in a span of 1:14 to tie the game and send it in to overtime.