NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – A Monmouth University goal in the 59th minute sunk the Niagara women's soccer team as they fell to their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponent 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Niagara Field.

The Purple Eagles now drop to 1-8 overall, and 0-1 in conference play, while the Hawks improve to 7-1 overall, while holding a 1-0  mark in the MAAC.  

"We played a good team today, and played well for 75 minutes of the game," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "There was a 15 minute stretch that we just didn't play up to our level, and they capitalized on it.  For us to be successful we need to play as one collective unit and we need to play for 90 minutes."

After a scoreless opening half, the Hawks' offensive pressure were able to get through the NU backline, scoring the game's only goal.  Breynn Collazo found Julie Spracklin at the top of the box, and the freshman midfielder ripped a high shot passed Niagara goalkeeper Claire Feiertag for the 1-0 lead. 

Niagara was outshot 19-4 in the game, but Feiertag stepped up in a big way for the Purple Eagles.  Feiertag made six saves to keep the game close for Niagara.

The Purple Eagles return to the field on Wednesday, Sept. 25 when they travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to take on the Marist Red Foxes at 1 p.m.