FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University men's soccer team defeated Niagara at home on Saturday afternoon in its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opener, 3-1. Matthias Dick, Sam McCann and Pablo Alcoba all tabbed goals for the Pios.
 
Records:
Sacred Heart: 6-2 (1-0 MAAC)
Niagara: 2-6-1 (0-1 MAAC)
 
Top Performers:
Matthias Dick: 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Sam McCann: 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Pablo Alcoba: 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Ivan Morcillo: 1 assist, 3 shots, 3 shots on goal
Andrew Hammersley: 5 saves
 
Of Note:
SHU opened scoring 21 seconds into the game as junior McCann drew a foul in the box in the Pioneers' first possession.  Dick took the penalty, placing the ball in the top left of the net.
 
The Pios' second goal came from a corner opportunity in the 33^rd minute when keeper Jamie Barry deflected the service and Alcoba used his left foot to pop the ball over his head to extend the lead to two.
 
SHU's third goal came in the 67^th minute when Ivan Morcillo passed the ball to McCann on a breakaway. McCann dribbled the ball down the field and faced Barry one-on-one as he placed the ball in the top left of the net.

Niagara saw an opportunity when they drew a penalty in the 68^th minute. Keeper Andrew Hammersley made the stop, but the Purple Eagles scrambled to the ball in the box and Jeremey Talsma scored shortly after.
 
The Pioneers outshot the Purple Eagles 13-to-6 on goal. Hammersley secured five saves.
 
Up Next:
The Pioneers return home next Saturday as they host Quinnipiac at 7:00 p.m. on Family Weekend.