The Niagara Purple Eagles men's soccer team (1-15-3, 0-9-1 MAAC) open its quest for a MAAC Championship title with a first-round match against the Siena Saints (6-9-3, 5-4-1 MAAC) on Thursday at 11:00 am in Orlando, Florida.

Tourney Time

• The 11th-seeded Purple Eagles lost to the sixth-seeded Saints, 2-0, in their previous match this season.
• Niagara is in its first MAAC Championship Tournament since winning it all in 2012. With its 2012 MAAC Tournament berth, it marked seven tournament berths for Niagara in an eight-year span.
• In 2012, Niagara had its undefeated record spoiled by Siena in the regular season but opened their tournament schedule with a 2-1 OT victory over the Saints, its only ever postseason match against Siena.
• Niagara's 2012 crown is its only MAAC Championship and clinched its only berth to the NCAA Tournament.
• Niagara has only ever appeared in two MAAC Championship Tournament finals.
• The last time NU played the postseason tournament in Florida in 2011, the Purple Eagels tied Marist, 0-0, in the quarterfinal but lost the ensuing penalty kick shootout, 4-1.
• Siena lost its last MAAC Championship Tournament appearance 3-0 to Monmouth in last season's quarterfinals.
• The last time the tournament was in Florida in 2011, the Saints won an opening round game vs Saint Peter's before bowing out to Iona in a quarterfinal penalty kick shootout.

Last Time Out

• Niagara honored the careers of Andrew Ferguson, Kevin Garcia, Ryan Myers, Tim Magnusson and Zachary Newton with a pregame ceremony for Senior Day.
• The Purple Eagles were bested by Fairfield, 1-0, in the regular season finale.
• Goalkeeper Joel Gerberich made two saves and Andrew Ferguson recorded NU's only shot on goal.

Across the Pitch

• Siena Saints (6-9-3, 5-4-1 MAAC)Siena is the highest seed to play an opening round match this tournament. The Saints finished the season one point shy of tying for third in the MAAC.
• The Saints are led by junior forward Junior Rosero, who leads the team with six goals and 16 points on the season.
• The Saints finished the regular season campaign first in the MAAC in corner kicks taken, second in shots and fourth is assists.

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.