DAYTON, Ohio – The Niagara men’s soccer team blanked the Wright State Raiders, 3-0 on Friday evening to extend its unbeaten streak to seven-games. 

Niagara (4-0-3) got scores from three different Purple Eagles, while goalkeeper Brett Petricek and the NU defense were able to keep Wright State (2-5-0) off the board despite being outshot 18-7 in the game. 

"Give full credit to Wright State after today’s game,” head coach Chase Brooks said.  “They didn’t make it easy for us in the first half.  They worked hard, and really put us under for the first 45 minutes.  During intermission, we made a few adjustments and give our guys full credit for taking full advantage of our chances.  That's what the game came down to; us capitalizing on our opportunities and Wright State did not.”

Sophomore Jack Welsh started the scoring for the Purple Eagles, netting his first goal of the season in the 39th minute of play off a feed from midfielder Mike Cunningham.  The first half wrapped up with Wright State outshooting Niagara, 10-4 as well as having a slim 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. 

Niagara brothers, Ken and Darren Cooper contributed to the Purple Eagle offense in the second 45 minutes of play, each netting a goal to solidify the team’s fourth win of the season. Junior  Ken Cooper opened scoring in the second half, tallying his first goal of the year five minutes into play before rookie Darren Cooper grabbed his first collegiate goal for Niagara in the 67th minute to make it a three-goal game.  

"I’m definitely proud of the guys for the way they battled in this tough environment to get the three nil win," added Brooks.  "Now it’s time to prepare for the next game.” 

Welsh finished the contest with a goal and an assist, while Cunningham had a two-point night with a pair of assists.  Defender Ben Thorne and forward Callum Willmott contributed to the offense with an assist each. 

Petricek earned his third straight shutout, making five saves for an overall 0.66 goals-against average on the season. 

Niagara returns to action next Friday, Sept. 21 when it plays host to Saint Francis (Pa.) at Niagara Field at 7 p.m.