NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Senior Bryan Da Cruz scored Student-Athlete of the Week honors after propelling the Niagara men’s soccer team to its first-ever MAAC Championship, and first berth to the NCAA tournament.
 
The senior found redemption for the heartbreaking MAAC Final double-overtime loss during his freshman year that came at the hands of the Loyola Greyhounds, by netting the game-winning tally in the second period of extra time for the program’s first title in its 43-year history. 
 
In the 102nd minute of action, teammate Micah Paulino jump started the game-winning play as the sophomore dribbled up the right wing, and flicked a short pass to Da Cruz.  The Barrie, Ont. native, who has three game-winning goals on the season thus far, took a shot from 12-yards out that beat the Loyola keeper near post.
 
The win, which marked the first time the Purps have beaten the Greyhounds in MAAC Tournament play, extended NU’s win streak to five games 
 
The member of the MAAC All-Tournament team wrapped up the weekend with seven shots.  Da Cruz heads in NCAA tournament play with five goals, and team-leading six assists for 16 points.   
 
Da Cruz and the Purple Eagles head to Ann Arbor, Mich. on Thursday, Nov. 15 to take on the Michigan Wolverines in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m.