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Niagara University Athletics

Lujan
3
Niagara NIAM (1-13-3, 0-7-1 MAAC)
5
Winner Monmouth MU (11-3-3, 7-0-2 MAAC)
Niagara NIAM
(1-13-3, 0-7-1 MAAC)
3
Final
5
Monmouth MU
(11-3-3, 7-0-2 MAAC)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Niagara NIAM 1 2 3
Monmouth MU 3 2 5

Game Recap: Men's Soccer |

Men’s Soccer Falls 5-3 in Offensive Duel at Monmouth

After struggling at the offensive end, the Niagara men's soccer team finally broke out of its slump with three goals at MAAC conference leader Monmouth. Unfortunately, the Hawks managed a strong offensive effort of their own, and Niagara fell by a score of 5-3 in their final road match of the season.
 
 The game at Monmouth proved to be the end of a scoring drought for two of Niagara's stronger offensive players. Sergio Lujan picked up two goals for the game, including the game's opening goal unassisted in the seventh minute and a crisp finish off of Steve Pondeca's cross in the box in the 49th minute. Lujan had not scored a goal since Aug. 30 versus Duquesne, the second game of the season.
 
Additionally, leading scorer Alex Dimitriu had gone five games without a goal entering Saturday's contest at Monmouth. That streak came to a close in the second half, as Dimitriu let an 18-yard shot rip from the top of the box, and picked the far side against Monmouth goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky.
 
On the defensive end, however, the Purple Eagles could not keep up with the Monmouth offense, which extended their MAAC-leading season goal total to 33. After Lujan opened the scoring for Niagara, Monmouth rattled off three consecutive goals to open the second half. The two teams traded goals in the second half, as Lujan's second goal of the night was closely followed by the second goal of the match from Monmouth's Colin Stripling, the eventual game-winner. Monmouth also found a quick response to Dimitriu's 60th minute goal, bringing their lead back to two just five minutes later.
 
Colin Hanley started the game, but was pulled 31:09 into the game after surrendering three goals on all three shots on goal he faced. Joel Gerberich saw his first action for Niagara since Sep. 26, and the sophomore goalkeeper made three saves on five shots against in the loss.
 
Next week provides two home contests for the Purple Eagles to close their season on a strong note. Niagara hosts MAAC for Marist in a 3:30 p.m. match on Wednesday, Oct. 28 before welcoming Fairfield to campus for Senior Day at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and men's soccer updates at @NiagaraSoccer. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook.com/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.
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