NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – The Niagara men’s soccer team finally gets a chance to play in the friendly confines of Niagara Field when it hosts the Robert Morris Colonials (0-5-0) on Friday night and the Cleveland State Vikings (1-2-1) on Sunday afternoon.

Last time out
The Niagara men’s soccer team defeated the William and Mary Tribe, 1-0, in the 34th Stihl Classic on Sunday afternoon. Midfielder Levi Tesch scored the game’s only goal sixteen minutes from time to give NU its first win of the season.

McGrane Sits Alone

Head coach Dermot McGrane became Niagara’s all-time leader in career wins when he led the Purple Eagles to a 1-0 win over William and Mary on Sept. 13; the victory also clinched second place in the prestigious Stihl Soccer Classic.  McGrane’s 48^th wins broke the tie with Jean Tassey who had a 47-40-7 record in eight seasons with the Purple Eagles (1974-81).

Purple Eagles Takes Second In Stihl Classic

Niagara faced a pair of CAA powerhouses in the 34^th Stihl Soccer Classic from Sept. 11 -13 in Norfolk, Va. NU lost 1-0 to the host and eventual champion, Old Dominion, on Friday night. The Purple Eagles rebounded by defeating William and Mary by the same scoreline on Sunday afternoon to claim second place in the classic. Goalkeeper John Fiutowski, defender Rene DeZorzi and midfielder Levi Tesch were named to the Stihl All-Tournament Team.

Fort Fiutowski

Senior goalkeeper John Fiutowksi enters the season in arm distance of claiming number one in career starts, saves, shutouts and minutes at Niagara. The marketing major has already garnered national attention last season; his 6.56 saves per game led the NCAA. Fiutowski set school records in wins (9) and shutouts (5) and holds the career record in wins (19) and goals against average (1.39). Fiutowski has already started the season in fine form, recording 10 saves in the season opener, had a career-high 14 saves against La Salle and was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Week.

Against the Colonials
All-time record against the Colonials (3-6-0)

Last meeting, Niagara 3 – Robert Morris 2 (2OT)

About the Colonials

Robert Morris visits western New York with a five-game losing streak to start the season. The Colonials have been outscored 19-3 in five games this season.

Against the Vikings

All-time record against the Vikings (2-4-3)

Last meeting, Niagara 3 – Cleveland State 3 (2OT)

About the Vikings

Cleveland State sits at 1-2-1 on the season with the Vikings lone win coming against St. Bonaventure. Aaron Adkins, Slavisa Ubiparipovic and Josh Williams each have two goals to lead the team; keepers Nick Harpel and Brad Stuver have seen significant time in goal. The Vikings will play at Buffalo on Friday night before their Sunday match against the Purple Eagles.