Pictures by purpleeagles.com
By Mike Taber
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY N.Y.- Both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams recorded shutouts last week and remained unbeaten at home for the 2019 season. NU Men’s Soccer hosted Quinnipiac on Alumni night and battled to a 0-0 tie thanks to tremendous defensive effort. The Women’s Soccer, led by Anne Ibey and Sabrina Locus, played to a 0-0 tie with Canisius on Wednesday night.
Men’s Soccer vs Quinnipiac
Nick Burke had nine saves for the Purple Eagles and recorded his first shutout of the year. Men’s Soccer’s leading scorer Rodrigo Almeida had two shots on goal. For the Men’s team it was their first tie of the year to go along with four wins and eight losses. The Purple Eagles have won three of their last five games..For most of the gam,e Quinnipiac put pressure for Burke, controlling the game early. NU responded with a great defense forcing Quinnipiac to nine corners throughout The game. Purple Eagle Goaltender Nick Burke was busy as he saved 9 shots. Leading scorer Rodrigo Alameda had two shots on goal but were denied. The Purple Eagles travel to Siena on Tuesday as they prepare for the upcoming M.A.A.C. Tournament.
This year, the Men’s Soccer team started the season slow, however three out of five wins meant a lot to them. Almeida has ten points and contributed to two wins earlier this season. Burke has recorded 30 saves this year and has contributed to the PurpleEagle success the last five games. Senior Villaipando Solorio has contributed to the team’s success as well. He has six points this year, he’s a player to keep an eye on in the next few weeks.
Women’s Soccer vs Canisius
Wednesday night. Ibey had three shots on goal, she leads the Purple Eagles in this department. Locus turned aside six shots and recorded her fifth shutout of the season. The Purple Eagles are currently 6-6-2 and unbeaten at home. In the first half, the Purple Eagles had right shots on goal and dominated in that area. NU dominated the first half and Canisius had several missed opportunities. Both teams battled to an extreme but one scored.
With the upcoming MAAC tournament ahead for the Women’s Soccer, the team’s defense has been a factor. They are stopping their opponents from penetrating 51% of the time. The goaltenders are playing very well 80% of the time. If NU scores early in any of their games, it will be a factor late in the game. Their defense can wear down opponents causing late game turnovers. NU plays a big game this Saturday against powerhouse Monmouth.
Statistics as of October 18, 2019
Niagara Wire 