PITTSBURGH, PA – Despite recording more chances, Niagara (0-5, 0-0 MAAC) fell to Duquesne (4-1, 0-0 A10) by a 1-0 result in non-conference men's soccer action from Arthur J. Rooney Field Thursday night.
 
How it Happened
It took just three minutes into the contest for the Dukes take a 1-0 lead over Niagara as a low cross from Jaxon Ervin found an unmarked Ashton Jell on the near side for the opening tally.
 
Niagara would outshoot Duquesne for the remainder of the half as Gerard Lopez Forner, Felix Kogler and Matheus Spina each tallied multiple chances for the Purple and White, with Kogler getting two of NU's three shots on goal.
 
Landon Hungerford would thwart the Duquesne chance to take a two-goal lead in the 36th minute, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of the Dukes heading into the break.
 
The second half would be more of the same from the Purple Eagles as Gianluca Del Priore, Spina, and Kogler would get off a trio of shots in the first 10-minutes of the frame in an attempt to find the equalizer.
 
Jamie Barry would make four saves in the second half, including one late on a one-on-one chance for the Dukes.
 
Mick Bastiaenen would get Niagara's last shot on goal of the contest, but Zoltan Nagy would make his seventh save to hold onto the clean sheet and 1-0 win over the Purple Eagles.

Comment from the Head Coach Bill Boyle:
"The team gave it their all despite the tough circumstances and early setback. Outshooting Duquesne and creating several chances shows the level of effort and execution they put into the game plan. Even though the result may not have gone our way, the resilience and support within the team is something to be proud of. Soccer can be unforgiving, but our Men are building a strong mentality. I'm very proud of the group!"
 
Niagara Notes
• Thursday's contest marked the 12th meeting all-time between Niagara and Duquesne. The Dukes lead the all-time series 9-2-1.
• 10 of Niagara's starting 11 played all 90 minutes of action with Jeremy Talsma being the lone Purple Eagle sub.
• Niagara finished the game with 15 shots, its second-straight contest with 15 or more shots.
• Of Niagara's 15 shots, a total of seven went on goal, one shy of the Purple Eagles' season-high of eight set against UAlbany on Aug. 22.
• Kogler led NU with five shots and three shots on goal.
 
Up Next
Niagara returns to Niagara Field on Sunday, Sep. 8 at 1 p.m. when it hosts VMI for a non-conference bout on ESPN+.
 
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