POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Sophomore Roberto Andersson saved his first goal of the season for a thrilling matchup against the Marist Red Foxes, netting an overtime tally to push the Niagara men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory Sunday evening.  

After last minute tallies were scored by both teams, the Purple Eagles (9-1-4; 3-1-1 MAAC) and Red Foxes (5-9-1; 1-5 MAAC) battled into overtime to look for the conference victory.  Five minutes into extra time, senior Bryan Da Cruz sent in a long cornerkick that Rene De Zorzi headed back into play from the back of the six-yard box.  Andersson volleyed the ball near post for the game-winning goal.  

"Today was a very big result for us,” head coach Chase Brooks said.  “We had to bounce back from Friday’s night’s tough loss and get the victory.  The guys worked very hard the full 90 minutes and in overtime and as a result, we got the win which is what good teams do.  Marist is a great team with a record that doesn't reflect their play.  Now we have to turn our focus on Fairfield and Iona next weekend.”  

With forty seconds remaining in the contest, Marist jumped out with the one-goal lead after Josh Faga headed home a cornerkick from Stephan Brossard. 

The Purple Eagles wasted no time in responding as the senior duo of Da Cruz and De Zorzi combined for the equalizer.  Twenty-nine seconds after the Red Foxes scored, De Zorzi volleyed a cornerkick from Da Cruz from six-yards out for his career-high fourth goal of the season.  

NU goalkeeper Brett Petricek finished the game with five saves.  

Niagara returns to Monteagle Ridge next weekend for its final two home games of the regular season.  The Purple Eagles host Fairfield on Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. before wrapping up the home schedule with a bout against Iona on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. during Senior Day. 

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