After a strong weekend showing, the Niagara men's soccer team returns to the pitch on Saturday. This weekend also marks the opening of MAAC competition for the Purple Eagles, who play their second of three consecutive road games against the Iona Gaels.
 
Last Time Out

• The Purple Eagles were unbeaten in two Big Four games last weekend, defeating St. Bonaventure at home and earning a draw at Buffalo.
• With a 4-0 victory over the Bonnies on Sept. 18, Niagara earned its first win of the season on Alumni Appreciation Night.
• Brandon Galanti led the attack with his first two goals of the season, while Alex Dimitriu and Bautista Pedezert added one goal each.
• On Sept. 20, the Purple Eagles came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with the Bulls.
• Dimitriu and Pedezert each registered a goal and an assist, with Pedezert's goal serving as the equalizer in the 87^th minute.
• Fabrizio Chiari and Sergio Lujan each added one assist in the draw.
• While the two teams tied the game, Buffalo retained the Big Four Shield on penalty kicks.

Young Guns Earn Weekly Awards

• After earning two goals and one assist apiece in two games last weekend, freshmen Dimitriu and Pedezert were both named Wilson Men's Soccer Weekly Award winners.
• Additionally, Pedezert earned MAAC Rookie of the Week accolades.
• With four goals and nine points through eight games, Dimitriu currently ranks third in the MAAC in goals scored and is fourth in the conference in goals per game and total points.

Across the Pitch: Iona Gaels (4-3-1)

• Niagara is 14-11-1 all-time against Iona.
• Over the last five games between these two teams, Niagara is 3-2-0.
• In their only meeting last season, the Purple Eagles defeated the Gaels 3-2 in overtime.
• Iona won three straight games from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16, but have since dropped two decisions in a row.
• Earlier this week, the Gaels clipped the Yale Bulldogs for a 2-1 win, with both goals coming from freshman Aristotle Seferlis.

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.