TAMPA – Despite a strong effort from the Niagara women's soccer team, Jacksonville University defeated the Purple Eagles, 3-2 in the opening game of the USF Tournament at Corbett Stadium.

The Purple Eagles (0-3-0) came from behind twice to tie the game off a pair of goals from senior forward Breanna Catipovic  but it was the Dolphins (2-1) that had the final score of the game to pocket the victory.  

"I am extremely proud of my team today," head  coach Peter Veltri said.  "The girls fought hard for 90 minutes today, and the last 40 minutes was with a man down.  I thought the team was very organized and disciplined playing a man down.  There were many positives to take from this game."

The Purple Eagles trailed the contest after a 16th minute goal by Kaitlyn Bassett.  Niagara tied up the contest a little over two minutes later as Catipovic beat Sarah Sierra off a feed from Haillie Price.

Sarah Moghadas gave the Dolphins their second lead of the game at the 22nd minute, but the Purps would again tie the game with nine minutes remaining in the half, finding success off another tally by Catipovic.    

Julia Burton had a great opportunity to regain the lead just two minutes into the second half as Niagara was called for a foul in the box resulting in a JU penalty kick.  Fresh off substitution and seeing her first action in net this season, NU goalkeeper Olivia Wood made the stop to keep the game tied at one.  

Jacksonville continued to pressure the Niagara defense and eventually saw its efforts rewarded with another goal from Bassett in the 72nd minute. 

"This was by far our toughest competition to date and it's easy to say that it was our best game played," Veltri added.  "We are getting better each and every game we play."

Claire Feiertag scooped up two Jacksonville shots, while Wood finished the game with five saves.

Niagara concludes play at the USF Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 1 when the Purple Eagles take to the field against South Florida University at 1 p.m. Keep up with all the action with live stats and get updates though the women's soccer twitter account: @NiagaraWSO