NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Junior forward Liam Gilbert’s 65th minute goal proved to be the game winner in Niagara’s 2-1 victory over the Iona Gaels in its MAAC opener on Friday night. The Purple Eagles improved to 9-1-2 in their last 12 meetings against the Gaels.

“It was great to start the conference season with a win against a very good team,” head coach Dermot McGrane said. “I thought our boys showed a lot of character and determination tonight and deserved the win.”

Gilbert scored his fifth goal of the season with a flashing header from a brilliantly time passed by Michael Pass, who lobbed his cross over two defenders in the box. The Purple Eagles (3-6-1, 1-0-0 MAAC) defense held the Gaels (2-6-1, 0-1-0 MAAC) at bay with long range efforts throughout the game. Iona had one last chance at the equalizer when it was awarded a free kick just outside of the box with seven seconds left, but the effort by Julian Grajales went over the crossbar.

Niagara had the share of the possession in the first half and was rewarded with a goal in the 25th minute. Senior Levi Tesch hit a sharp cross into the box which deflected off of an Iona defender for his third goal of the season.  In the 37th minute, Iona would tie the match at 1-1 against the run of play. 

Niagara, which has won its last two MAAC openers, improves to 8-1-1 at Niagara Field in MAAC games since 2008. The Purple Eagles will host the Fairfield Stags on Sunday at 1 p.m.