Box Score

BUFFALO - Behind the strength of a goal by sophomore Breanna Catipovic, the Niagara women's soccer team (6-8-0; 4-1-0 MAAC) defeated the Canisius Golden Griffins (8-6-1; 3-2-0 MAAC) to move into a tie for first place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference on Saturday night at Demske Sports Complex.

Niagara got on the scoreboard in the 62nd minute, when from inside the 18 yard box, Catipovic  let go of a shot that snuck just under the crossbar for the 1-0 lead. The Purple Eagles would hold on to win the Battle of the Bridge match, making Niagara 9-1-1 against Canisius since 2002.

"I'm very proud of my team," said head coach Peter Veltri. "To go on the road and beat your rival is always special. I thought defensively we played well and limited them to only a few chances. In the second half, our offense really came alive and it was the difference. I was also very impressed with the discipline that we demonstrated tonight. We didn't allow their physical play or the fans take us out of our game."

The win places Niagara in a tie with Marist (4-1-0 MAAC) for first place in the conference. Niagara now leads the 2011-12 Battle of the Bridge series by a 3-0 score.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first half, as senior Niagara goalkeeper Gabrielle Wilson stopped both Canisius shots, including a shot from Keily Funk with two seconds left in the first half.

Junior Michaela DiFazio had two strong chances to put Niagara on the board, including a header in the 41st minute and a shot wide in the 43rd minute.  

Wilson made three saves for her latest clean sheet.

The Purple Eagles are back in action next weekend, when they hit the road to challenge Marist and Siena.