BUFFALO, N.Y. – Two first half goals lifted the Niagara men’s soccer team to a vital win over archrival Canisius on Saturday night.

“Anytime Niagara plays Canisius it’s always a tough game and this was no different,” head coach Dermot McGrane said. “This was a very important win that keeps us in the mix for a spot in the top four.”

Niagara’s (5-9-2, 3-3-1 MAAC) third straight win against Canisius (3-11-1, 3-4-0 MAAC) propelled the Purple Eagles to fourth place in the MAAC standings with two matches remaining on the schedule; the top four teams qualify for the MAAC Tournament. 

NU did all of the damage in the first half. In the 14^th minute, Levi Tesch lofted a cross in the box and Carl Haworth headed home his 11^th goal of the season. The Purple Eagles added their second later in the half. Jordan DeRoy smashed his shot off of the post, but Michael Pass was there to tap home his first goal of the season in the 38^th minute.

The Purple Eagles controlled possession for most of the game while limiting scoring opportunities for the Golden Griffins, who committed 19 fouls and three yellow cards.

Goalkeeper Jacob Vertel, who made five saves, collected his first win in his third start of the season.

Niagara wraps up regular season play next weekend with two crucial road encounters at Marist (Nov. 5) and Siena (Nov. 7).