Niagara scored a late goal in regulation and then added another score 1:39 into the first overtime to defeat the visiting Canisius College men's soccer team, 2-1. The Griffs now stand at 3-10-1 on the season and 2-3-0 in the MAAC, while the Purple Eagles improve to 5-8-1 and 3-2-0 against conference foes.
Senior Victor Gonzalez scored the lone goal for the Griffs, while sophomore Adam Miller recorded seven saves to anchor the Canisius defense.
Canisius wasted no time grabbing the early advantage, scoring less than nine minutes into the contest. Gonzalez scored off a free kick from 30 yards out for his first goal of the season.
The Griffs maintained their lead for most of the game. Canisius nearly stretched its lead to two in the 71st minute when Sam Zarka's shot got past the Niagara goalkeeper. However, a Purple Eagle defender was there to prevent the ball from reaching the back of the net.
Niagara finally knotted the game, scoring in the 74th minute of play. Bryan DaCruz headed in a pass from a free kick to tie the game at one. DaCruz would also tally the game-winning goal in overtime, tapping in the ball from the box.
The Purple Eagles outshot the Griffs, 22-13, and had a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. John Fiutowski made two saves in net for Niagara to earn the victory.
Canisius returns to action on Monday, squaring off with another local rival, Buffalo. Game time at UB Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Game Notes: Gonzalez tallied his first goal since netting a pair of goals against Rider on Oct. 10, 2008 ... The game was the 50th all-time meeting between the two rival schools ... Niagara now leads the 2009-10 Battle of the Bridge series, 6-0. Niagara needs 17 points to win the Canal Cup, while Canisius needs 16 points to retain the Cup.
