LEWISTON, N.Y. - Niagara (5-4-0) secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Marist (6-2-2) in a tightly contested MAAC conference matchup on Saturday afternoon at Niagara Field. The Purple Eagles extended their home winning streak while dealing Marist their second consecutive loss.
The scoring opened early as Niagara established control through Niklas Kneller's aggressive play in the attacking third. Kneller tested Marist goalkeeper Jamie Lowell multiple times in the opening 20 minutes, with shots in the 9th and 13th minutes forcing saves. The Purple Eagles broke through midway through the first half, while Marist managed to pull one back before the interval.
The first half saw intense midfield battles with both teams creating opportunities. Niagara's Zachary Applewhite registered the first shot on target in the 3rd minute, while Marist's Arion Ulaj responded with two quick attempts in the 14th minute. The Yellow card to Niagara's Jeremie Truel in the 22nd minute highlighted the match's competitive nature. Eric Moroz and Jonathan Salguero generated multiple chances for Marist, with Salguero striking the woodwork in the 28th minute.
The second half intensity increased as both teams sought the decisive goal. Marist's Kyle Evans forced a save from Niagara goalkeeper Grant Wyles in the 52nd minute, while Niklas Kneller continued to threaten for Niagara. The match reached a dramatic peak in the 87th minute when Reon Tezuka stepped up for a penalty kick, but Jamie Lowell made a crucial save to keep Marist's hopes alive. The final minutes saw both teams collect yellow cards as tensions rose, with Chris Verheul and Niklas Kneller both being cautioned.
Statistically, Marist outshot Niagara 21-16, with 13 shots on target compared to Niagara's 11. The Red Foxes also held a slight advantage in corner kicks (6-5). Both teams finished with four yellow cards each, reflecting the match's competitive nature. Goalkeepers Jamie Lowell and Grant Wyles were outstanding, recording 9 and 12 saves respectively.
Individual performances shaped the match significantly. Niklas Kneller was particularly influential for Niagara, recording multiple shots on target and consistently threatening the Marist defense. Jamie Lowell's penalty save for Marist in the 87th minute highlighted an impressive performance, while Kyle Evans generated several dangerous opportunities for the Red Foxes. Evan Marques showed creative flair before being substituted in the 80th minute for Caio Cavaletti.
Tactically, Niagara's approach focused on quick transitions and utilizing Kneller's pace in attack. Marist attempted to control possession through midfield, with Gijs Verheul and Eric Moroz orchestrating their build-up play. Both teams made strategic substitutions in the second half, with Niagara bringing on Tommy Mittelstadt and Antonio Wilson in the 82nd minute to help secure the result.
The victory strengthens Niagara's position in the MAAC standings, marking their second conference win in three matches. For Marist, the loss continues a concerning trend after their 5-1 defeat to Fairfield earlier in the week, dropping them from their previously strong conference position.
This match ultimately turned on moments of defensive resilience from Niagara and missed opportunities by Marist, particularly in the closing stages. The Purple Eagles' ability to withstand late pressure, including the saved penalty kick, proved decisive in securing all three points.
Looking ahead, Niagara will travel to face Iona on October 11th, while Marist will look to regroup before hosting Sacred Heart on October 15th in non-conference action.