AKRON, Ohio – The Purple Eagles were blanked by the San Diego State Aztecs, 2-0 in the opening match of the Akron Tournament on Friday evening. 

The Aztecs (2-2-0) pocketed a pair of goals in the final minutes of the first half, and the Purple Eagles (1-3-0) were unable to find the back of the net in the second 45 minutes of play. 

"We played well for the first 40 minutes, but then we gifted them two goals at the end of the first half and had to chase the game in the second half," head coach Eric Barnes said.  "If we can eliminate the mistakes, we'll have a chance to win every game."

The game was fast paced from the get go with San Diego registering the better opportunities, but Niagara keeper William Banahene and the NU defense were able to keep the Aztecs off the scoreboard. 

With five minutes remaining in opening half, the San Diego offense was able to get through the backline and goals by Casey Meuser and Blake Wise solidified the victory for the Aztecs. 

At the 45th minute Meuser put away a close range shot into an open net which would serve as the game winner.  Wise gave San Diego a two-goal cushion heading into halftime less than two minutes later with a high rising shot inside the 18-yard box with assists given to Evyn Hewett and Meuser.

Niagara takes on Virginia Commonwealth University on Sunday to wrap up play in the Akron Tournament.  Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.