LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – The Niagara women’s soccer team (12-5-1, 5-3-0 MAAC) disposed the Rider Broncs (2-11-3, 1-4-1 MAAC) 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.  Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.), Shaylyn Lawrence (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) were the goal scorers as the Purple Eagles picked up three vital conference points.  

“We all understood the importance of this game,” head coach Peter Veltri said. “We played fairly well and capitalized on our chances. Today’s win allows us to control our destiny.”

In a game of high importance, the Purple Eagles started the game out on the attack. Niagara, who is second in the conference in shots, showered the Rider goal in the first 15 minutes.

Niagara’s breakthrough came in the 31^st minute and it was from senior striker Stephanie Gartley. Kathryn Potter (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) beat her marker and played a cross inside the box and Gartley applied the finishing touch.

The Purple Eagles had a 1-0 lead at halftime, but were unlucky to have scored more with a 10-2 advantage in shots.

Niagara nearly made it 2-0 49 seconds into the second half, but Gartley’s shot found the crossbar.  The Purple Eagles defense were alert and ready for the Broncs attack after a rather meager offensive display by the home team in the first half.

Senior midfielder Shaylyn Lawrence gave the Purple Eagles some breathing room in the 73^rd minute when she battled for a loose ball in box and beat the Rider keeper to give Niagara a 2-0 lead.

Reigning MAAC offensive player of the week, Chiara Greco, put the game away with a 25-yard rocket past the keeper in the 78^th minute.

Niagara outshot Rider 17-12 and held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeepers Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.) and Sarah Stephens (Toledo, Ohio) shared playing time in the shutout.

Niagara will conclude its regular season at home on Saturday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. against rival Canisius. The third part of the 2008-09 edition of the Battle of the Bridge could decide the final spot for the MAAC Tournament.