NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Freshman forward Bryan DaCruz (Barrie, Ont.) scored his third goal in two games as Niagara was held to a 1-1 tie by the Siena Saints on a windy Friday night at Niagara Field.

"A lot of the game was dictated by the strong wind," head coach Dermot McGrane said. "I felt like we played well and (had) a couple of close chances that could have won the game."

Niagara (5-8-2, 3-2-1) played in its second consecutive overtime match; the Purple Eagles topped archrival Canisius last Saturday, 2-1. Niagara controlled majority of the game and held a 1-0 lead through 80 minutes.

DaCruz put NU up 1-0 in the 22nd minute with a splendid 25-yard blast. DaCruz connected with fellow freshman Rene DeZorzi (Maple, Ont.), who headed the ball to him, and DaCruz followed with a chest trapped and unleashed a knuckler past the keeper.

In the 56th minute, senior Stephen Kauble (Canal Winchester, Ont.) came within inches of making it 2-0 when his shot in front of the keeper went over the post. Siena (8-6-3, 3-2-2) would capitalize with its last pressure with a goal nine minutes from time. Sindre Ek collected the ball inside the box and put it in the upper-ninety to tie the game at 1-1 in the 81st minute.

In the first overtime period, Levi Tesch (Wolcott, N.Y.) was denied a game-winning goal in the 94th minute when his 20-yard shot was saved by the stretching arms of Siena goalkeeper Phil Chabot. Tesch’s shot was the best scoring chance for either team in overtime.

Senior John Fiutowski (Ottawa, Ont.) made eight saves in the match, including a couple of huge saves in the second period.

"In the end, we are pleased with the tie and we have to focus for Marist on Sunday," McGrane said.

Niagara hosts Marist (7-7-2, 3-3-1) on senior day in a crucial conference game on Sunday at 1 p.m.