Courtesy of PurpleEagles.com
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Purple Eagles men’s soccer team had a number of scoring chances early against the Saint Francis Red Flash, but could not find a goal. A Saint Francis tally in the 30th minute sent Niagara to a 1-0 loss Sunday afternoon at Niagara Field.
Game Summary
Final Score: Saint Francis 1, Niagara 0
Niagara Goal Scorers: n/a
Niagara Assists: n/a
In Goal: Joel Gerberich (0-1-0); 1 GA, 5 SV
Records: Niagara (1-3-1), Saint Francis (4-2-0)
Location: Niagara Field – Niagara Univ., N.Y.
Attendance: 237
Game Recap
Niagara had two chances foiled in the opening eight minutes of play. Konrad Zydowicz had a header opportunity go wide to the right at the five-minute mark. On a corner kick two minutes later, Hector Solorio Villalpando sent a long header to the left of the goal, but the chance was turned away.
Mackenzie Roach found a shot in the 15th minute, streaking around the Saint Francis defense and beating keeper Marcus Rojas, but touched the ball narrowly too far to the left, catching the post as the Red Flash cleared the chance away.
In the 30th minute, it was Saint Francis who took the 1-0 lead. Mario Mastrangelo stole a loose ball from the grasp of Joel Gerberich to the left of the goal box and passed to Nicco Mastrangelo about three yards out. A Niagara defender got a piece of the shot, but not enough to turn it away from the goal.
Gerberich closed the first half with three saves in total as the Red Flash put two more shots on goal in the 15 minutes following Mastrangelo’s score.
Saint Francis held possession for most of the second half, outshooting Niagara 6-2 and keeping a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. Gerberich made two more saves, bringing his total to five for the match.
Niagara’s best chance of the second half came in the 66th minute. Bautista Pedezert found space in the middle of the field and launched a rising shot from 25 yards out to the upper right corner of the goal, but the shot went over the net.
Coach’s Corner
Head coach Bill Boyle: “I am very proud of this group today. They were unfortunate not to get a result today against a very good team. We played the way we needed to and dictated the flow of the game. On most days, that will result in a win.”
Inside the Numbers
Niagara’s seven shots in the first half this season were the second-most by the team in any half this season. The Purple Eagles launched eight shots in the first half at Robert Morris on Aug. 26
Junior goalkeeper Joel Gerberich made his first start of the season on Sunday. His five saves were the most by a Niagara goalkeeper this season. Gerberich’s career high of nine saves was set at Saint Francis on Sept. 13, 2015.
Up Next
The Purple Eagles complete their three-game home stand Thursday night, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Niagara plays host to the University at Buffalo Bulls. Buffalo currently has possession of the Big 4 Shield, which Niagara can take control of with a win.
Leave a Reply