NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y.—The Niagara men's soccer team was defeated in MAAC play at home by a score of 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Niagara Field.

The loss drops the Purple Eagles to 2-8-1 overall, and 0-2-1 in MAAC play, while the Bobcats are now 3-3-4 on the season, and 1-0-1 in the league. 

"It was a disappointing afternoon where some of our key players didn't show up to play," head coach Eric Barnes said.  "We have a week to reassess our starting group, and be ready for Fairfield.  We still control our own destiny in the conference."

Niagara goalkeeper Brenden Ottman was busy in the first half in only the second meeting between the Purple Eagles and Bobcats.  Ottman stopped a trio of Quinnipiac shots on target, while seeing another six fly wide of the net. 

Niagara almost went into intermission with a 1-0 lead, but the goal by Kameron Maney was waved off as the freshman was called offsides with a little over one minute left in the first frame.

The Bobcats held a 9-1 advantage in shots for the half.

Quinnipiac continued to pressure at the start of the second period of play.  Ottman made a superb diving save on James Doig to keep the game level, but at the 60th minute the Bobcats jumped out to a 1-0 lead off the foot of Simon Hinde.  The junior midfielder received a feed from Ola Ogunjobi in the box, and after taking a touch, Hinde slipped a far side ball underneath Ottman for his sixth goal of the season.

The Purple Eagles began to push in the later parts of the second frame, but could not find the equalizer. 

Ottman wrapped up the afternoon with five saves.  Callum Willmott led the team with a pair of shots on goal.

Niagara will continue its three game homestand on Saturday, Oct. 19 when the Purple Eagles will host Fairfield University at 2 p.m.