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Niagara University Athletics

Ortiz
2
Winner Michigan State MSU (1-0-0)
0
Niagara University NIAW (0-1-0)
Winner
Michigan State MSU
(1-0-0)
2
Final
0
Niagara University NIAW
(0-1-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Michigan State MSU 0 2 2
Niagara University NIAW 0 0 0

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Women’s Soccer Falls In Opener

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles held their own with the Big Ten's Michigan State Spartans before falling 2-0 in their 2015 season opener on Friday afternoon.

"Overall, I was happy with the way we played and I thought we showed some great character," said head coach Peter Veltri. "This is a very good Michigan State team and anytime you play a Big 10 team you know that you will be in for a battle and we team battled well. If we would have scored that early goal in the first half that really could have changed the complexion of the game."

NU (0-1-0) nearly went ahead in the sixth minute when Ameila Gulley's volley from a corner kick inside of the box was saved by Michigan State's Gabrielle Gauruder.  The Purple Eagles defense limited the Spartans' attack to just three shots in the first half with Claire Feiertag comfortably making all three saves as the evenly played first half ended scoreless.

The Purple Eagles were undone by two early second-half goals in a two-minute span. The Spartans (1-0-0) scored an opportunistic opening goal in the 50th minute. MSU's Alexis Warner's cross into the box was cleared, but was redirected into the path of teammate Michaela Kovacs's leg and into the back of the net. In the 52nd minute, Marisa Oleksiak hit a left-footed volley from outside of the box to beat Feiertag for the Spartans' second goal.

"If you take away the early part of the second half when they scored their two goals, I thought for the rest of the game we showed a lot of heart and at times we created some good opportunities," Veltri said.  "I was proud of the effort and it was a good starting point; and as long as we build on it I think we will be ok the rest of the way."

Niagara is back on the pitch on Friday, Aug. 28 when the Purple Eagles host Akron at 7 p.m.

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