Niagara Survives Late Robert Morris Rally to Win Seven-Goal Thriller Purple Eagles build commanding 3-0 lead before withstanding furious comeback attempt at home
NIAGARA, NY – Niagara emerged victorious in a pulsating 4-3 encounter against Robert Morris at Niagara Stadium on Sunday, surviving a dramatic second-half comeback attempt after establishing a commanding three-goal advantage in the opening 45 minutes.
The Purple Eagles struck early and often in the first half, with Juan Cardona breaking the deadlock just over five minutes into the match. The opening goal set the tone for what would become a masterclass in clinical finishing during the first 45 minutes.
Cardona's right-footed effort found the lower right corner of the goal, giving Niagara the perfect start they craved. The home side continued to press their advantage as the first half progressed, with their patient build-up play creating numerous opportunities against a Robert Morris defense that struggled to contain the Purple Eagles' attacking movement.
The floodgates opened in the final minutes of the first half, as Niagara doubled their advantage through Andre Santos in the 42nd minute. Santos rifled his right-footed strike into the upper left corner, with assists credited to both Landon Hungerford and Cardona, showcasing the intricate passing combinations that had been troubling the Colonials throughout the opening period.
Just three minutes later, Hungerford converted his own opportunity to extend Niagara's lead to 3-0 before the halftime whistle. The midfielder curled his right-footed effort into the upper left corner, with Jeremie Truel providing the assist that capped off a dominant first-half display from the home side.
Robert Morris emerged from the locker room with renewed determination, and their persistence paid dividends in the 70th minute when Jaxson Lee pulled one back for the visitors. Lee tucked away his right-footed finish into the lower left corner, with Kevin Gorbell providing the assist that sparked hope for a potential comeback.
The momentum shift became evident five minutes later when Kyle Schueneman hammered home another strike for the Colonials, converting his right-footed effort into the upper left corner with assistance from Jack Bejarano. Suddenly, what had appeared to be a comfortable afternoon for Niagara had transformed into a nervy encounter with the deficit cut to just one goal.
However, Niagara responded emphatically to the mounting pressure. Reon Tezuka restored the two-goal cushion in the 78th minute, firing his left-footed shot into the lower center of the goal without assistance. The Japanese midfielder's composure under pressure proved crucial in stemming Robert Morris's comeback attempt.
The drama was far from over, as Robert Morris refused to surrender. Gorbell stepped up to convert a penalty kick in the 89th minute, slotting his effort into the upper left corner to set up a frantic finale. The late penalty conversion ensured a tense conclusion, but Niagara managed to preserve their advantage through the remaining minutes.
The match showcased contrasting halves, with Niagara's clinical finishing in the opening period ultimately proving decisive despite Robert Morris's spirited second-half revival. The Purple Eagles' ability to respond after conceding two quick goals demonstrated their mental fortitude, while the Colonials can take encouragement from their refusal to accept defeat.
Both teams displayed attacking intent throughout the 90 minutes, combining for seven goals in an encounter that provided entertainment for the neutral observer while testing the nerves of both sets of supporters.
Key Players
- Juan Cardona (Niagara) - Opened scoring early and assisted Santos's goal, instrumental in first-half dominance
- Kevin Gorbell (Robert Morris) - Assisted Lee's goal and converted crucial late penalty to keep comeback hopes alive
- Reon Tezuka (Niagara) - Scored vital insurance goal to restore two-goal lead during tense second half