PITTSBURGH – The Niagara University men’s soccer team fell 1-0 in overtime against the Duquesne Dukes in its season opener.

Niagara (0-1-0) had a tough time mustering up a consistent attack against Duquesne (1-0-0). The Purple Eagles managed seven shots in the game, compared to 24 by the Dukes. Senior John Fiutowski (Ottawa, Ont.) kept Niagara in the game with key saves throughout the match.

Despite the disadvantage in shots, Niagara had the better of play in the latter half of the second half, coming close to scoring from a Carl Haworth’s (Barrie, Ont.) effort.   

“For most of the game, I feel our team played pretty well and we got better as the game progressed,” head coach Dermot McGrane said.

The Purple Eagles best chance at snatching the win came in the 96^th minute. Senior Stephen Kauble (Canal Winchester, Ohio), who was playing in his first game since Nov. 15, 2007, had his penalty kick saved by Dukes goalkeeper Chris Torres.

“Unfortunately, once we missed the penalty kick in overtime, you could see the team rattle,” McGrane said. “We need to stay a bit more composed so we could get to the half break (in overtime).”

Two minutes later, Joshua Patterson scored the game-winning goal for Duquesne.

Fiutowski made 10 saves in the match which was one short of tying his career-high.

“It is early in the season,” Dermot said. “We will learn from this and will get ready for the next game.”

Niagara continues its Keystone State road trip at La Salle on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.