NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Two early second half goals propelled the Niagara men's soccer team to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Saint Peter's Peacocks on Sunday afternoon. Niagara improves to 2-0-0 in MAAC play for the first time since 2006.

Midfielder Levi Tesch (Wolcott, N.Y.) marked his presence during the match. The talisman orchestrated the Purple Eagles attack and scored two sublime goals in the process; the second goal stood up to be the game-winner.

Niagara (4-6-1, 2-0-0 MAAC) had to dig itself out of a 2-0 hole after 25 minutes. Saint Peter's (3-7-0, 1-1-0 MAAC) midfielder Michael Atehortua hit a long range shot that barely got over the hands of goalkeeper John Fiutowski (Ottawa, Ont.) to put the Peacocks up 1-0 in the 11th minute.

The Purple Eagles were pressing in the Peacocks' end when they were caught in a SPC counterattack. In the 26th minute, Jesus Jimenez's shot was deflected off of a Niagara defender and landed passed Fiutowski. The end result was a goal against the run of play and a 2-0 lead for SPC.

Niagara quickly struck back with Tesch leading the way. 44 seconds after the SPC goal, Niagara pulled one back when Tesch unleashed a 20-yard laser from a free kick that landed inside the post.

The second half belonged to Niagara due to dominating possession and scoring chances. In the 55th minute, Niagara tied the game at 2-2. Justin Roundy (Liverpool, N.Y.) sped away from his marker and sent it in a cross, but the Peacock defender knocked it in his own net in an attempt to clear the ball. The Purple Eagles jumped ahead just 28 seconds later. Tesch stole the ball at midfield and hit a 35-yard rocket by the keeper.  

The Purple Eagles continued to attack and had several more chances to increase their lead. In the 58th minute, Tesch again challenge the keeper with a long range shot, but had his shot saved. Freshman forward Bryan DaCruz (Barrie, Ont.) had his header hit the post in the 64th minute and had a shot pulled wide in the 71st.

Niagara buckled down to defend the lead during the final 10 minutes. Fiutowski made five saves in the match, no bigger than the fingertips save in the 87th minute to keep Niagara's one goal lead. Niagara outshot SPC 22-10 in the match and 14-5 in the second half. Tesch led both teams with six shots and two goals.

Niagara travels to play defending regular season MAAC Champion Loyola on Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.