Buffalo, N.Y. - Two goals from
Caitlyn Gratton and the game-winner from
Mahelie Barbeau put Niagara into the Metro Conference postseason as they defeated Canisius 3-2 at the Demske Sports Complex in Buffalo, N.Y.
Niagara improves to 11-3-0, 8-2-0 in Metro play, while Canisius falls to 5-8-1, 26-1 in conference action.
Canisius got on the board first with Romane Lanni goal in the 38th minute of play as Ava Pickard recorded the assist on the goal to put the Golden Griffins 1-0.
Caitlyn Gratton knotted the game at one as she recorded her 12th goal of the season in the 42nd minute of play.
Mahelie Barbeau sent a cross into the box where Gratton headed the ball to the upper right-hand corner of the net as both teams went into the break tied at one.
Gratton then recorded her 13th of the season in the 49th minute of the match. Freshman
Lucy Trinder sent a long ball to Gratton as she made no mistake, giving the Purple Eagles a 2-1 advantage over the Griffs.
Canisius' Azaria Fagan then tied the match at two in the 54th minute as Romane Lanni recorded the helper.
Barbeau then recorded the game-winner in the 74th minute as
Caitlyn Grady sent a pass to Barbeau above the top of the box, and Barbeau sent a strike to the upper 90 of the net to give the Purple and White a 3-2 win.
Niagara Notes
• Niagara improves to 28-19-7 all-time against Canisius
• The Purple Eagles will head to the postseason for the first time since the 2023 season
• The last time Niagara won in Buffalo was on October 20, 2021, as they won 3-2
• Gratton is now tied for eighth in the nation in goals with 13
• Barbeau recorded her first game-winner of the season and her second in her career
Up Next
Niagara women's soccer is back in action on Saturday, October 24, as they host Merrimack at Niagara Field for an 11 a.m. start time.
