NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara women's soccer program dropped its season opener to Saint Francis 2-1 Thursday evening in non-conference action from Niagara Field.
 
How it Happened
Graduate-student Emma Bough scored the opening goal for Niagara in the 12th minute of play, putting the Purple and White ahead, 1-0.  However, the Niagara lead would last just four minutes as Raine Korpics found Mercedes Paino for the equalizer in the 16th minute of action.
 
Junior transfer Morgan Kulniszewski nearly gave Niagara the lead in the 65th minute, however her shot was saved by the right hand of a leaping Emma Sawich. Sawich would finish the game with five saves for the Red Flash.
 
Niagara and Saint Francis would stay even until the 68th minute of play when the Red Flash took the lead on goal by Anouk Landgraff with service from Evangelia Barakos.
 
Bough would have her equalizing attempt saved and senior Maia MacLean would hit the crossbar as both Purple Eagles looked to even the score in the 75th minute of play. 
 
The Purple Eagles would keep the pressure on in the final 15-minutes of play but couldn't find the equalizer.  
 
Niagara Notes
• Thursday's contest was the 15th meeting all-time between Niagara and Saint Francis. Niagara moves to 11-4 in the series.
• The Purple Eagles had never lost to SFU at home until Thursday's meeting.
• Bough's goal was the 11th of her career.
• MacLean and Bough led Niagara with two shots apiece.
• Maddie Crosbie made five saves in her first start as a Purple Eagle.
• Seven Purple Eagles made their debuts for the Purple and White, including three freshmen.
 
Up Next
Niagara will host Mercyhurst on Sunday, Aug. 18. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff from Niagara Field on ESPN+.
 
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