NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles (0-1-0) fell to UC Riverside (1-0-0), 3-0, in their season opener on Thursday night.

Game Recap

• Nuukele Gboe had an early chance for the Purple Eagles, with a shot to the bottom left of the net that was saved by the Highlanders' keeper in the third minutes of the game.
• Asher Barned nearly put the ball in the top of the net in the 29^th minute, but the UC Riverside goalkeeper once again made the save.
• Nick Burke (0-1) made two saves in the first half and the team were scoreless going into halftime.
• In the 52^nd minute, Luigi Boa Morte had an opportunity for the Purple Eagles, but it was saved.
• Gabriel Mikina created back-to-back chances in the 62^nd minute; his first shot was blocked and his second shot nearly snuck by the keeper, but was saved in the bottom center of the net.
• UC Riverside scored in the 69^th minute to take a 1-0 lead over NU.
• In the 70^th minute, a bicycle kick from Herman Aalberg was just off target.
• The Highlanders scored again in the 79^th minute to take a 2-0 lead over the Purple Eagles. They scored their third goal of the game in the 85^th minute.

Eagle's Eye On

• Mikina led the Purple Eagles in shots with three. Aalberg and Gboe each took two shots.
• Aalberg, Barnes, Boa Morte, Mikina and Gboe each had one shot on goal.
• Burke played all 90 minutes in net and made five saves.

Up Next

• Niagara hosts Utah Valley on Sunday, Aug 29 at 1:30 p.m. The game will air live on ESPN3.

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