Niagara Defeats Canisius 1-0 in Women's Soccer First Round
MAAC Sports
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – No. 3 seed Niagara University defeated No. 6 seed Canisius College 1-0 in the first round of the 2014 MAAC Women’s Soccer Championship at Niagara Field on the campus of Niagara University.
The inaugural six team championship format in MAAC women’s soccer began with the “Battle of the Bridge” rivalry. Niagara University controlled the first half of play keeping the ball in Canisius territory for the majority of the first 45 minutes. With the wind at their backs, the Purple Eagles took advantage with a corner kick at the 35 minute mark. Naomi Giovino scored on a direct shot that hit the net to give the Purple Eagles the 1-0 lead. Griffs goalkeeper Brigid St. Leger made two saves on three shots in the first half.
A physical second half lead to a back and forth possession battle with Niagara’s defense keeping the Griffs away from the net, not letting up a shot on goal until the 63 minute mark. The Purple Eagles had another opportunity at the 67 minute mark with a breakaway from Haillie Price that was stalled with a team save and a diving stop by the Griff’s St. Leger. The Griffs were unable to score in the second half against the Purple Eagles defense. Tara McPherson and Kathleen Lawver each had a shot on goal for the Griffs.
Winning goalkeeper Claire Feiertag faced eight shots, two on goal, making two saves for the shutout. St. Leger finished with 3 saves on ten shots, 4 on goal. Giovino and Danielle Kennedy each had a shot on goal, while Price added two more for Niagara.
Niagara, 11-2-5 overall, earns a spot in the championship semifinal game next Friday, November 7 at Monmouth University. They will face second seed Fairfield University at 4pm. The winner of the 2014 MAAC Women’s Soccer Championship will earn the MAAC's automatic bid to the 2014 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship.