NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara University Purple Eagles (4-1-1) defeated the Duquesne Dukes (3-1-3) 1-0 in front of a Niagara Field record 658 fans.

The Purple Eagles poured it on in the second half, taking 11 shots in the second half, with the most important one coming off the foot of senior Zach Scholla (Angelica, N.Y.). Freshman Carl Haworth (Barrie, Ont.) received an outlet pass in the middle of the Niagara offensive zone and quickly utilized a back heel flick to get it to Scholla, who then in turn put it past the Duquesne goalkeeper by utilizing the far post.

Head coach Dermot McGrane was pleased with how the game went, especially with how his team turned it on in the second half.

"We earned a quality win against a strong Duquesne team," McGrane said. "We did a good job of possessing the ball against a high-pressure team."

The Purple Eagles were involved in a back and forth affair from the get go, with both teams trading rushes. Haworth along with senior Joe Skinner (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) had golden opportunities to put Niagara into the lead, but couldn't put the ball in the net, as the Purps went to the half tied at zero, despite being outshot 10-4.

Niagara really hit its stride in the second half, creating several quality chances. Niagara threatened numerous times, getting three shots on target in the second half. Goalkeeper John Fiutowski (Ottawa, Ont.) made some clutch saves down the stretch to keep the Purple Eagles in the game. With 31 minutes left in the second half, Fiutowski had to come out to make a save, with the prompting rebound heading to a Duquesne player, who had his shot blocked by the Niagara defense.

"In the second half we really hit our stride," McGrane said. "We played well, created chances and deserved to get the goal."

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Sunday, Sept. 21 as they take on the Bucknell Bisons at 1 p.m. at Niagara Field.