Buffalo retained the Big 4 Shield versus the Canisius College men's soccer team on Sunday night, scoring the game's only goal in the 81st minute to earn a 1-0 victory at the Demske Sports Complex. The Bulls improve to 2-0-0 on the season, while the Griffs drop their second-straight one-goal game to begin the 2016 campaign 0-2-0.

“It was disappointing to see us lose a game on a goal that should have been called a foul,” said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. “I told our team to keep their heads up because I thought we played very well in all facets of the game. We didn't get the result we wanted tonight but if we continue to play that way throughout the season, we will be in good shape.”

After a slow start in Friday's season opener, the Griffs came out very strong in the first 45 minutes of action against the Bulls. Canisius controlled possession throughout the first half, however, couldn't fully capitalize with a goal. Overall, the Griffs outshot the Bulls, 14-5, in the opening stanza only to see the teams head into the intermission scoreless.

Canisius continued to play strong in the second half, limiting a Buffalo team that scored nine goals in its opener to just one shot on frame in the first 80 minutes of play. However, the Bulls took advantage of their one chance late in the contest when David Enstrom found the back of the net off a rebound in the 81st minute. The Griffs looked for a whistle due to a hand ball but the referee deemed the goal good and Buffalo netted the game's only tally to retain the Big 4 Shield.

The Griffs finished the game with an 18-11 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Junior Marco Trivellato recorded one save for Canisius, while Joseph Kuta stopped five shots for the Bulls.

Canisius continues its homestand next weekend with a pair of games at the Demske Sports Complex. The Griffs begin the weekend with a contest against Incarnate Word on Friday with a 7 p.m. start time.