NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Niagara men’s soccer team suffered its first conference loss of the season on Friday as the Purple Eagles fell to the No. 18 Iona Gales 2-1 in double overtime.

Niagara (6-3-1, 1-1-1) would have to overcome a deficit as Iona (10-1-1, 3-0-0) would strike first in the 22nd minute.  The game was a defensive struggle but senior Carl Haworth would score his eighth goal of the season in the 72nd minute to tie the game at 1-1.

“We’re a team that doesn’t give up,” head coach Chase Brooks said after the game.  “We’re a team that knows we always have a chance to win.”

After regulation ended in a tie, Niagara would go on to outshoot and outchance Iona in the first overtime period.  Forward Bryan Da Cruz had a chance to finish the upset, but hit the post with his effort in the 93rd minute.  Liam Gilbert had a shot with just over two minutes left, but the Gaels goalkeeper Borja Barbero would make one of his six saves on the day. 

“The guys worked hard, battled hard through 90 plus minutes of soccer,” said Brooks.  “It was a game where neither team deserved to lose.”

Just shy of the 102nd minute, Angser Otto scored to win the game for Iona in the second overtime period. 

“Soccer can be a cruel sport, we have to learn from it and move on to Sunday,” Brooks said.  “Now it’s about learning how to close out games against top teams in the country.” 

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Fairfield for a 1 p.m. game.


Box Score