Wednesday, August 12
Buffalo, NY
7:00pm
University at Buffalo
1-0-0, 0-0-0
2
vs
0
Niagara
0-1-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Buffalo | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Photo by: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
Bulls Shutout Niagara in Season Opener
8/12/2026 9:47:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team defeated Niagara 2-0 in the regular season opener at Broadview Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Bulls struck first in the 18th minute as Mae Hunt took a free kick and played a ball into the box that was knocked down but Eva Blatz was in the right place at the right time to knock the rebound into the back of the net to put UB up 1-0.
The Bulls continued to attack in the 23rd minute as Ella McDonald wove through the Niagara defense and drilled a shot that sailed just high, but she was back in the mix just a few minutes later as she played a perfect ball across the box to the foot of Sofia Mastracci who one-timed a shot into the back of the net to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead.
The Purple Eagles threatened in the 37th minute as Izzy Schmidt ripped a shot on target from just outside the box but Lexie Thompson made a highlight reel leaping save to knock the ball out of play and preserve UB's two goal lead at the half.
Buffalo created more chances in the second half as Maddy Murphy played a ball across to Emma Patti who fired a shot that sailed just left and later Gabriella Capra created space and drilled a shot that just missed the top right corner.
The Bulls then had two chances late as Mastracci banged a shot off the crossbar in the 85th minute and McDonald fought through contact and curled a shot on net that just missed the top left corner, but the effort was more than enough to secure the victory.
Buffalo outshot Niagara 15-5 on the night, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal, while also earning a pair of corner kick opportunities. Thompson made one save on the night while Julia Poissant made three stops for the Purple Eagles.
"We know now that the games count everything is amped up a bit and I think it took us to get settled into the game but two goals and a clean sheet, we'll take that," said head coach Shawn Burke. "There's a lot to be proud of, I think the effort was there and you'll always have a chance when you get effort like that."
Up next, Buffalo will travel to Erie for a clash with the Mercyhurst Lakers on Sunday, August 16 at 3pm.
For all the latest on UB Women's Soccer Team, follow the team on Twitter/X and Instagram at @UBuffaloWSOC and like the UB Women's Soccer Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Bulls Championship Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
The Bulls struck first in the 18th minute as Mae Hunt took a free kick and played a ball into the box that was knocked down but Eva Blatz was in the right place at the right time to knock the rebound into the back of the net to put UB up 1-0.
The Bulls continued to attack in the 23rd minute as Ella McDonald wove through the Niagara defense and drilled a shot that sailed just high, but she was back in the mix just a few minutes later as she played a perfect ball across the box to the foot of Sofia Mastracci who one-timed a shot into the back of the net to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead.
The Purple Eagles threatened in the 37th minute as Izzy Schmidt ripped a shot on target from just outside the box but Lexie Thompson made a highlight reel leaping save to knock the ball out of play and preserve UB's two goal lead at the half.
Buffalo created more chances in the second half as Maddy Murphy played a ball across to Emma Patti who fired a shot that sailed just left and later Gabriella Capra created space and drilled a shot that just missed the top right corner.
The Bulls then had two chances late as Mastracci banged a shot off the crossbar in the 85th minute and McDonald fought through contact and curled a shot on net that just missed the top left corner, but the effort was more than enough to secure the victory.
Buffalo outshot Niagara 15-5 on the night, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal, while also earning a pair of corner kick opportunities. Thompson made one save on the night while Julia Poissant made three stops for the Purple Eagles.
"We know now that the games count everything is amped up a bit and I think it took us to get settled into the game but two goals and a clean sheet, we'll take that," said head coach Shawn Burke. "There's a lot to be proud of, I think the effort was there and you'll always have a chance when you get effort like that."
Up next, Buffalo will travel to Erie for a clash with the Mercyhurst Lakers on Sunday, August 16 at 3pm.
For all the latest on UB Women's Soccer Team, follow the team on Twitter/X and Instagram at @UBuffaloWSOC and like the UB Women's Soccer Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Bulls Championship Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
Players Mentioned
D/M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's SoccerTeam Stats
NIA
BUF
Goals
0
2
Shots
5
15
Shots on Goal
1
6
Saves
3
1
Corners
2
2
Fouls
7
6
Scoring Plays
Eva Blatz (1)
Assisted By: Mae Hunt
GOAL by BUF Blatz, Eva Assist by Hunt, Mae.
17:41
Sofia Mastracci (1)
Assisted By: Ella McDonald , Emma Patti
GOAL by BUF Mastracci, Sofia Assist by McDonald, Ella and Patti, Emma.
26:26
Game Leaders
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
3
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
mid
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06
