NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – In a hard fought, back-and-forth game, the Niagara women’s soccer team (1-2-0) was unable to overcome a tough American University squad (3-0-0), losing to the Eagles, 2-1, on a windy Friday afternoon at Niagara Field.

"It was our best 90-minute performance," NU head coach Peter Veltri said. "I thought today we showed glimpses of who we can become. We just need to learn to do it for the complete game."

The Purple Eagles fell behind early in the first half, but regained their composure and created several scoring opportunities. American’s first goal came against the run of play, as Niagara outshot American 4-0 in the first 11 minutes. However, the Eagles capitalized on their first good opportunity when Kelsey Brasher found the back of the net at the 14:28 mark after avoiding a challenge from Niagara’s goalkeeper, sophomore Sarah Stevens (Toledo, Ohio). It took barely two minutes for Niagara to even the score when freshman Caitlin Long (Tonawanda, N.Y..) found a streaking Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.), who touched the ball in from six yards out. The goal was Bisnott’s third in three games.

NU continued to create scoring options but were unable to capitalize on their chances. The Purple Eagles best scoring opportunity came in the 68th minute when Niagara was awarded a penalty kick, but junior Stephanie Gartley’s (Camlachie, Ont.) attempt was handled by American’s keeper. On the day, Bisnott led the team in shots with five, followed by Gartley with four.

Niagara also played a good game defensively, limiting the Eagles to just 11 shots.

"Our back three played well considering this is only the third game they’ve played together," Veltri said.

American scored the game winner with less than 10 minutes to go in the match when the Eagle’s Krystn Hodge broke free and touched ball by freshman goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y), who played the entire second half for the Purple Eagles.

In the tournament’s first game, Buffalo defeated Binghamton, 3-1, behind a pair of goals by Brooke McCalla.

The Purple Eagles return to action on Sunday when they face Binghamton at 1 p.m., while Buffalo and American square off at 11 a.m.