SYRACUSE, NY – The Niagara Purple Eagles dropped the 2014 season opener to the Syracuse Orange by a 3-1 score on Friday afternoon.

"We knew this would be a tough test, and it was a disappointing result," head coach Eric Barnes said after the game. "However, the team played hard and several of the new players showed our staff that they should be seriously considered for starting positions if they aren't in them already. We'll regroup and be ready for Colgate."

Niagara (0-1-0) withstood the attack from the Orange (1-0-0) throughout most of the first half, allowing one goal on six shots in the opening frame. Syracuse broke the scoreless tie in the 21^st minute with a header off of a cross to take the 1-0 lead.
 
Roberto Fernandez-Andersson registered Niagara's first shot a few minutes later with two more attempts on the net coming in the second half. Andrew Ferguson and Callum Willmott sent shots towards the goal in the 53^rd and 68^th minute, respectively, each coming with NU facing a 2-0 deficit. Syracuse added its second goal four minutes into the half and extended its lead to 3-0 in the 83^rd minute.

Freshman keeper Joel Gerberich got the start in net for the Purple and White. The Akron, Ohio native made four saves throughout the afternoon.
 
The Purple Eagles finish the Central New York Classic on Sunday with a 2:00 p.m. match against the Colgate Raiders.