ORLANDO, Fla. – The Niagara women's soccer team saw its season come to a halt as the Canisius Golden Griffins defeated the Purple Eagles, 1-0, in the opening round of the 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship, held at the ESPN's Wide World of Sports on Thursday afternoon.

"It's always disappointing when the season ends," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "It means saying goodbye to players that have fought hard and represented the Purple and White proudly.  We will miss both Breanna and Kayla Picanco and wish them the best." 

Both teams came out strong in the first half, playing excellent defense and had several quality scoring chances in the third first round game of the day.  The Griffins and Purple Eagles were both aggressive from the start, probing both defenses.  Niagara's first opportunity came in the eighth minute as Catherine Meyer's shot off a Naomi Giovino corner kick was turned away by Canisius backstop Megan Tock. 

The Griffs broke through in the 31st minute as Katie Griffins jumped on a mishandled ball by NU goalkeeper Claire Feiertag.   The senior midfielder controlled the loose ball in the box and struck it home for her first of the season and a 1-0 Canisius lead.    

The goal held up as the game-winning tally as both teams featured strong defensive efforts in the second 45 minutes of play as the goalies combined for a scoreless second frame.  The final whistle blew with each squad having 13 looks on goal, and Niagara holding a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.    

Feiertag registered five saves, while Canisius' Tock made six stops.  The Purple Eagles received offensive contributions from Meyer, Giovino and Claire Feiertag who each registered three shots for the game.    

The loss ends Niagara's season with a record of 4-13-2.  Canisius advances to tomorrow's quarterfinal matchup, where the Griffins will face top-seeded Monmouth.