MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Niagara University men's soccer team (6-2-1) overcame a two goal deficit to defeat the Robert Morris Colonials (2-7-1) via a 3-2 double overtime margin in Pennsylvania on Friday afternoon.

Niagara entered overtime with confidence, as freshman Carl Haworth (Barrie, Ont.) set up senior Matt Durand (Melbourne, Australia) for the second time on the evening, for his seventh goal of the year, which was the game-winner. Durand put a simple touch on the ball with went past Colonial goalkeeper Matt Felice for the goal.

Head coach Dermot McGrane was happy to see his team battle back from such a deficit early.

"We got in the hole early, by giving up two sloppy goals," McGrane said. "The team showed great character by hanging tough, tying the game and eventually earning the win."

The Colonials had some offensive fireworks early, as just seven minutes into the game, Tyler Solis scored on a diving header to give Robert Morris the 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Solis would add his second of the night, when he sent the ball into the far corner.

Niagara didn't panic, as in the 21st minute, Nick Lippa (Rochester, N.Y.) sent a strike that went off the crossbar, which Jordan DeRoy (Barrie, Ont.) found on the doorstep to cut the Colonial lead to 2-1. Niagara would tie the game in the 36th minute, when Durand sent a cross over to Haworth, which he headed to the far post for his second goal of the season. Niagara was energized heading into the half, tied at two.

Robert Morris outshot Niagara in the second half 9-4 as junior goalkeeper John Fiutowski (Ottawa, Ont.) made nine saves on the afternoon. The first overtime saw Niagara take over ball possession and outshot Robert Morris 6-4.

The Purple Eagles are in action on Sunday, against Big Four rival Buffalo, in a 4 p.m. game. The game will be aired via tape delay on LCTV later that evening.