NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - A late second half tally by Youngstown State handed the Niagara women's soccer team a 2-1 loss in the 2013 season opener at Niagara Field on Friday evening.

"I thought we were very nervous in the first half tonight. It was sloppy and not a good showing of how we can play," head coach Peter Veltri said. "However, I thought we dominated the second half, but we need to do a better job of finishing our opportunities.  Mentally we gave up two bad goals that cost us the game tonight.  We need to learn that in order to be successful we need to play for a full 90 minutes".

Niagara started the scoring early with a tally from Haillie Price two minutes in.  Catherine Meyer began the play with a run into the box before slipping a feed into traffic.  Price picked up the loose ball before sneaking it past goalkeeper Jackie Podolsky.

Youngstown would tie the game up at one apiece with just under five minutes remaining in the half off the foot of Rachel Hutton.  Katie Hohmann sent a high cornerkick to the far post that bounced off Rachel Morrison and straight to the feet of Hutton. 

It seemed like the game was headed for extra time, but the Penguins secured the victory with a goal from Brittany Dowd with less than a minute remaining in the contest.  An indirect kick from Hohmann was lofted toward the far corner that connected with the head of Dowd for the victory.

The Penguins outshot the Purple Eagles 14-6 for the game.  Claire Feiertag wrapped up the game with five saves.   

The Purple Eagle begin a three-game road trip this Sunday when Niagara takes to the field against Robert Morris at 1 p.m.