NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's soccer team scored a late second half goal to come out with the 2-1 victory over conference foe the Manhattan Jaspers on Friday evening.  

After a scoreless 76 minutes of play, Niagara (7-7-0; 2-3-0 MAAC) was able to get on the scoreboard off the foot of rookie Maria Siegrist-Gabas   Forward Kayla Picanco slipped a pass to sophomore Michaela DiFazio in the box who saw her shot blocked by a Jasper defender.  Siegrist-Gaba picked up the loose ball and fired a one-time shot past Manhattan keeper Kara Davis for her second goal of the season.  

"I'm proud of the way the team played tonight," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "I thought from start to finish we were the better team.  We definitely deserved to win and we found a way to come out with the victory.  This time of year that's what important.  We needed points and we got our points.  I was proud of the effort and the way we played tonight."  

The Purple Eagles and Jaspers (4-8-0; 1-3-0 MAAC) headed into intermission deadlocked at zero.  Niagara held a nine to three advantage in shots, but could not find the back of the net.  Forwards Jamie Raepple,  Breanna Catipovic and Haillie Price lead the team in shots with two each in the opening stanza.

Niagara continued to apply pressure in the second 45 minutes of play, outshooting Manhattan, 13-5.  Siegrist-Gabas had an opportunity before tallying the game-winning goal midway through the contest.  Meyer made a run down the left side, sliding a dangerous pass into the box.  Siegrist-Gabas connected with the ball just inside the 18-yard line, but her shot flew just above the crossbar. 

Catipovic wrapped up play with a team-leading five shots, while Siegrist-Gabas had four looks on net.  

Starting NU keeper Amanda Taylor recorded her first win of the season, making four saves.   

The Purple Eagles return to Niagara Field on Sunday, Oct. 14 when they battle conference opponent the Saint Peter's Peacocks during Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.  

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