NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women's soccer team opened the 2008 campaign in front of the largest crowd ever to see an NU soccer game. Despite the 583 fans that packed the seats at the new Niagara Field, the Purple Eagles (0-1-0) dropped a 1-0 decision to local rival Buffalo (1-0-0).

“The atmosphere tonight was the best it has ever been in my 10 years here at Niagara,” said Niagara head coach Peter Veltri.

The unveiling of the new field, which broke ground in April 2008, brought hundreds of spectators to campus to watch the first-ever night soccer game at Niagara. The attendance mark of 583 set a record for both the men’s and women’s program.

Niagara (0-1) fed off of the energy from the crowd throughout the game. However, the only goal in the game came in the 12^th minute and against the run of play. Buffalo’s Aubrey Stahl’s long ball found forward Lindsey Bailey in stride and she placed it passed goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers (Liverpool, N.Y.).

The Purple Eagles dominated first half possession, outshooting the Bulls 6-2, but were unable to get the final touch in front of goal. That was evidence when with less than 10 seconds remaining in the half, Caitlin Long (Tonawanda, N.Y.) sent her free kick screaming across the front of goal, but no Purple Eagle could tap it in.

The Purple & White best scoring chance came in the 86^th minute.  Junior Chiara Greco (Hamilton, N.Y.) crossed the ball in the box to preseason All-MAAC member senior Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.), but her point-blank shot was blocked by Bulls goalkeeper Amy Coron.

“I thought we started off slow and were a little hesitant,” Veltri said. “We didn’t really get going until 25 minutes into the game and found ourselves down 1-nil.  Buffalo bunkered down at the back, so it made it difficult to get a lot of scoring chances.”

Niagara outshot Buffalo 9-8 in the game with Greco leading the Purple Eagles with three.  Sophomore goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers made three saves in her 10^th career start at Niagara.

“Tonight was a big game and there was a lot of emotional and energy from the crowd,” Veltri said.  “It was the first game of the season, against a local rival and the first-ever night soccer game, so I think the team was a little awestruck. I told them we will learn from our mistakes and improve and be ready for Sunday.”

The Purple & White will be back on the new Niagara Field on Sunday, August 31 when they host the Cleveland State Vikings at 1 p.m.      

The season opening game will be re-broadcast on Lockport local television (LCTV-20) on Tuesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m.