NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – A second half tally from Ken Cooper gave the Niagara Purple Eagles a 1-0 win in their final non-conference tilt of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Cornell Big Red.
 
Niagara (2-6-0) came out flying after halftime and jumped in the lead over Cornell (6-1-2) early in the second frame.  The only goal of the match came late in the 47^th minute when Callum Willmott sent a long pass from midfield that sprung Cooper on a partial breakaway.  The senior from Clay, N.Y. hesitated to draw the defender off, then chipped a shot past the opposing goalkeeper from just outside the six-yard box for his first goal of the season.
 
"Today, the team showed what we're capable of accomplishing," said head coach Eric Barnes.  "It was a great team effort, and several players came up with match-critical plays in important moments.  Kenny Cooper showed great composure in the box to finish his chance." 
 
The Purple Eagles were able to keep the Big Red at bay for the next 43 minutes, surrendering just three shots on goal throughout the half, which were Cornell's only three for the game.  All three were stopped by freshman keeper Brenden Ottman .
 
"Our back four and goalkeeper were solid for the entire 90 minutes," Barnes said.  "Today was a complete team performance, and the boys deserve all the credit for the win."
 
The win wraps up Niagara's non-conference schedule; the next game is Saturday, Oct. 5 when it hosts the St. Peter's Peacocks for a match at 2:00 p.m.