A second half goal was the difference to propel Niagara men's soccer to a 3-2 victory over Saint Bonaventure at Tom 80' and Michelle Marra Athletics Field Complex in Olean, N.Y.

Niagara opens the season at 1-0-0 while the Bonnies fall to 0-1-0 on the young season.

The Purple Eagles got off to a quick start getting on the board in the 9th minute of the contest. Juan Cardona beat Bonnies goalkeeper Felix Schoene high right to put the Purple and White up one.

Niagara doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Chase Dade put home his first as a Purple Eagle on a pass from Jeremy Talsma to give the Purple Eagles a 2-0 lead into the half.

St. Bonaventure cut the Purple Eagles lead in half to start the second half on a goal from Seth Hammond in the 47th minute.

The Purple Eagles regained their two goal lead in the 60th minute as Tommy Mittelstadt beat Schoene low center. Dade recorded an assist on the play, recording three points in the contest.

The Bonnies tried to mount a comeback late capitalizing off a penalty kick in the 87th minute as Kyle Macfarlane beat Purple Eagles goaltender Grant Wyles, but it would not be enough as Niagara held onto a 3-2 victory over St. Bonaventure

Wyles got the start and recorded five saves in his Purple Eagles debut.

Quote from Head Coach Bill Boyle

"Our Niagara Men's Soccer team earned a big 3 points on the road tonight. In just three short weeks—and with 13 new players—they've learned so much about each other, and tonight that growth paid off with the win. It was a selfless effort from all 26 players, a true team performance built on trust, hard work, and FAMILY."

Niagara Notes

• Niagara moves to 14-33-4 all-time against St. Bonaventure

• First season opening win since the 2016 season

• Mittelstadt recorded his first collegiate goal

• Dade tallied his first career-multi point game

• Reon Tezuka led the Purple Eagles with three shots, two being on goal

• Six Purple Eagles played the full 90

Up Next

The Purple and White head to UMBC on August 29 to take on the Retrievers. Kickoff is slated for 7pm at Retriever Soccer Park in Baltimore, Md.