By: Connor Pohlman, Sports Editor
Ali Alomari factored in both of Niagara's goals to pace the Purple Eagles to a 2-0 victory over Canisius Wednesday evening in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men's soccer action at the Demske Sports Complex.
The Purple Eagles moved to 2-6-1 overall and 1-0-0 in MAAC play while the Golden Griffins slipped to 1-4-3 the season and 0-1-0 in league action.
Niagara opened the scoring in the 34th minute when Alomari dribbled the ball to the center of the box before placing a shot into the bottom left corner past diving Canisius keeper William Howard.
The Purple Eagles carried their momentum into the second half, doubling its lead in the 54th minute of the match.
A Canisius defensive miscue allowed Alomari to take a close-range shot that was initially saved by Howard, but Stephen Hasse was able to collect the rebound, striking it into the top right corner.
Junior Luke Szablewski made his first start of the season on Wednesday.
Howard made four stops in the loss. He has made at least four saves in seven of the eight matches this season. Howard, sophomore Kodie Sarkodie and senior Ryan Dagelman have all played the full time in four consecutive games.
Canisius continues its three-game homestand when it welcomes MAAC newcomer Mount St. Mary's on Saturday. Kickoff from the Demske Sports Complex is slated for 1 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN3.