NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Despite a hard fought contest against MAAC opponent, Siena, the Niagara women's soccer team fell behind a goal in the later stages of the first half that resulted in an 1-0 decision to the Saints on Wednesday afternoon at Niagara Field.  

The loss halted the Purple Eagles' three-game winning streak and put Niagara at 3-3-0 in conference play and 4-10-0 overall, while the Saints improved to 3-1-1 in the MAAC and 7-5-1 overall. 

"I was really proud of the effort we put forth today," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "Defensively the team was outstanding.  We limited them to very little opportunities.  Offensively we created a few good chances, but we just couldn't find the back of the net.  I thought their goalkeeper made some good saves to preserve the victory."

The first close call of the game came with 20 minutes left on the clock in the opening frame as Anna Grant lobbed a corner kick into that box that was heading toward the far right corner, but Claire Feiertag just got her fingertips on the shot to push it wide. 

Siena eventually grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute as Tara Sobierajski released a shot from 25-yards out that snuck in under the crossbar.  The teams headed into halftime with the shots knotted at six apiece. 

The offensive opportunities began to favor Niagara in the opening minutes of the second frame beginning with Shawnique Samuels'  low shot from inside the box just 20 seconds in.  Her look on net was followed by a pair from Danielle Kennedy off two NU corner kicks.  The senior saw her first shot skim the top of the crossbar, while she connected well with her second shot, but it was saved by goalkeeper Taylor Booth.

A Siena foul outside the 18-yard line in the waning seconds of the contest put Niagara in a great position to tie the game, but Maureen Papaconstantinou's long attempt flew high of the goal. 

Feiertag made three stops in the loss. 

Niagara will start its final road trip of the season next week starting with a trip to Fairfield, Conn. to face the Fairfield Stags on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.