Oct. 29, 2004

Box Score

Niagara, N.Y. - Junior Vinnie Piscopo scored his third career game-winning goal at 61:35, giving Loyola a 2-1 win over host Niagara on Friday afternoon at Niagara Field. The Greyhounds improve to 6-0 in the MAAC and defeat the Purple Eagles for the eighth consecutive time.

"Niagara is a very difficult place to play," says Loyola Head Coach Mark Mettrick. "We had some anxious moments in the second half, but pulled out a good win."

In the first half, Loyola was given the game's first good scoring opportunity when a foul in box gave sophomore Rade Kokovic a penalty kick. Kokovic converted on his fourth goal of the season, giving the `Hounds a 1-0 lead they would hold for the next 52 minutes of action.

The Purple Eagles answered in similar fashion when a hand in the box granted Mark Spooner the game-tying penalty kick.

The `Hounds needed another second-half goal to keep their perfect MAAC record in tact and Piscopo answered the call. Senior Kevin Nash fed Brian O'Connor, who fed Piscopo wide of the goal. From his deep position, the Loyola junior fired the ball across the goalmouth and off Niagara keeper Eric Sulivan for the win.

Chelland registered four saves in his fourth win of the year while both senior Jay Joyce and sophomore Danny Wheelan returned from early-season injuries to give the `Hounds a lift. O'Connor's assist on Piscopo's goal was also his first point of the season.

"This is an important three points for us," says Mettrick. "It secures us a spot in the [MAAC] playoffs."

Loyola improves its overall record to 8-5-1, dropping Niagara to 3-12-2. The Greyhounds now head to Buffalo for a Sunday afternoon match with Canisius.

"Canisius is another difficult place to play," adds Mettrick. "They're fighting for a playoff spot and will come after us on Sunday."

Loyola and Canisius kick off at 1 p.m. at Demske Sports Complex.