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Chiara Greco
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August 31, 2008
Cleveland State (0-2-0) vs. Niagara Purple Eagles (0-1-0) (Niagara Field)
The Niagara women’s soccer team is back in action on Sunday with a match against the Cleveland State Vikings (0-2-0) at 1 pm. The Purple Eagles (0-1-0) enter the match against the Vikings after a narrow1-nil defeat to local rival the Buffalo Bulls in both team’s season opener on Monday.
Last Time Out
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 dropped a 1-0 decision to local rival Buffalo.
Flying Eagles
The Purple & White showed glimpses of their offensive attack in their season opener against the Bulls. Midfielders Caitlin Long (Tonawanda, N.Y.) and Alyssa Pollock (Liverpool, N.Y.) consistently passed their markers on the wing and created scoring opportunities for midfielder Chiara Greco (Hamilton, Ont.) and forward Stephanie Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.). Niagara’s backline features senior co-captain Ashley Mandrino (Farmington, N.Y.) and sophomore Erin Baker (Oswego, N.Y.) as their strong defensive play at the back pushed the team forward on the attack. The team will utilize its speed and wing play for scoring chances throughout the season.
Against the Vikings
All-time record against the Vikings (1-0)
Last Meeting – September 20, 2005 (Cleveland, Ohio), Niagara 3-1 win
The first and only meeting between Niagara and Cleveland State was three years ago at Krenzler Soccer Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Niagara won the contest, 3-1, with Stephanie Gartley leading the way with a hat-trick. Three current players on this year’s squad – Gartley, Ashley Mandrino and Aisha Eversley - started that day.
Scouting the Vikings
Cleveland State returns eight starters from the 2007 team that went 5-14-1. Key returners are senior Jennifer Wieand, who set CSU records in goals, points and shots in 2007, junior defender Jessica McCloy and sophomore goalkeeper Kelly Zinkiewich. The Vikings lost their season opener to Toledo, 3-0. Wieand led the Vikings with two shots and Zinkiewich made seven saves. On Friday, CSU traveled to Olean, N.Y. to play against St. Bonaventure and fell to the Bonnies, 4-1, with the lone goal coming from freshman Natalie Daniels.
Against the Horizon League
The game against Horizon League member Cleveland State will be the 17th match against a team from the league. Niagara holds a 9-5-2 all-time record against current Horizon League members, including defeating the Detroit Titans 2-0 on September 20, 2007.
Gartley Watch
Senior Stephanie Gartley enters the 2008 season on the verge of climbing pass several Purple Eagle alumni. She starts the season fifth on the all-time career points list (92), fifth on the all-time career goals list (38) and seventh on the all-time career assists list (16) four behind fourth place. The Calmachie ,Ont. native had a breakout 2007 season and her efforts were rewarded with a second-consecutive All-MAAC second team award. This season, she is already on a All-MAAC team, as a member of the 2008 Preseason All-MAAC . She is the returning team leader in goals (5), points (16) and shots on goal.
Purple & White Picked Fourth in MAAC Preseason Poll
The women’s soccer team was predicted to finish fourth in the 2008 preseason poll. The Purple Eagles collected 60 points in the poll, one ahead of fifth place Siena (59). Niagara was picked second in the 2007 preseason poll and ended the season finishing fourth and with a bid to the MAAC Conference Championships. 2007 regular season conference champions Marist was picked first with 91 points.
Name Points 2007 Record
1. Marist 91 11-5-3 (7-1-1)
2. Loyola 90 10-6-5 (5-0-4)
3. Fairfield 88 11-7-3 (6-1-2)
4. Niagara 60 10-7-2 (5-2-2)
5. Siena 59 8-9-1 (5-4-0)
6. Manhattan 56 7-7-4 (4-4-1)
7. Iona 40 5-14-1 (3-5-1)
8. Canisius 30 6-10-2 (3-5-1)
9. Rider 26 5-11-3 (1-8-0)
10. Saint Peter’s 10 1-18-0 (0-9-0)
New Field
The 2008-09 season will be the start of a new era for Niagara athletics, as the newly renovated Niagara Field is open for play. Situated behind the Kiernan Center, the new multi-purpose field will be home for both of Niagara’s soccer teams, along with the women’s lacrosse team. The state of the art field will feature a new field turf surface, lights, seating for 1,200 and a fully functional press box. The new field touts a turf playing field, allowing it to be used year round. Niagara Field’s new surface is specifically designed for soccer and lacrosse. Also on the field are European style game goals, making games at the new field a top of the line experience.
