NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara men's soccer team (3-7-1, 1-1-0 MAAC) had several chances to take control against the Fairfield Stags (2-4-5, 1-1-0 MAAC), but fell to the visitors by a 1-0 score at Niagara Field on Sunday afternoon.

After a strong offensive effort in the first part of the second half, Fairfield took the lead when Kwadwo Asante tipped in a cross from Daniel Shaw in the 71st minute. Niagara continued its attack and had two grade-A opportunities late in the game.

With under two minutes remaining in the game, senior Levi Tesch was alone in the box with Stags goalkeeper Michael O'Keefe on the ground, but he sailed his shot just over the crossbar. With 10 seconds left in the game, Niagara almost found the tying goal, but the Stags cleared it away before it could completely cross the goal line. Niagara outshot Fairfield 16-3 in the second half.

"We created a ton of good scoring opportunities today and were unlucky not to find the back of the net," head men's soccer coach Dermot McGrane said.

Both teams had great opportunities to dent the scoreboard in the first half with a combined nine corner kicks, but the game was scoreless after the opening 45 minutes. Junior Liam Gilbert ripped a shot in the 12th minute, but  O'Keefe was up to the task. About six minutes later, senior Desmond Betteto had a shot from within the box blocked, keeping the game scoreless.  

The biggest play of the first half came on the defensive side of things, when Asante beat Niagara goalkeeper Mike Moran to a loose ball just within the left side of the box and looped a shot destined for the back of the net, but was stopped by defender Nick Garcia on the goal line.

"We now have to get ready for two tough opponents on the road next weekend," McGrane said.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Oct. 15, when they take on MAAC foe Saint Peter's.