“We possessed the ball very well, the movement was good and had some quality finishes,” head coach Dermot McGrane said. “This was the first game we had everybody healthy. It was nice to put a good performance.”

Niagara (2-2-1) put on an offensive showcase in the first half and scored three classy goals in the process. Levi Tesch (Wolcott, N.Y.) had the first good scoring chance on the night, but his diving header smashed off of the post in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Anthony DiBiase’s (Richmond Hill, Ont.) shot in the box went inches wide.

The Purple Eagles took a well deserved 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. DiBiase sent in an inch perfect cross from the touchline that found the head of Desmond Betteto (Sarina, Ont.) at the far post for his first goal of the season. In the 29th minute, Carl Haworth (Barrie, Ont.) made it 2-0 with a header from a Michael Cunningham's (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.) cross. Haworth completed his brace in the 31st minute by chipping the goalkeeper to put NU up 3-0 after 31 minutes of play.

The Purple Eagles struck again five minutes after halftime when freshman Bryan DaCruz (Barrie, Ont.) opened his NU scoring account with a 30-yard laser. Niagara capped its scoring in the 74th minute when Betteto scored his second goal of the game and season on a rebound from Stephen Kauble’s (Cana Winchester, Ohio) shot. 

Robert Morris (0-6-0) scored a late consolation goal.

Niagara will play Cleveland State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Niagara Field.