Niagara University, N.Y. (October 1, 2006)-- Niagara's Emily Montgomery converted a penalty kick at the 85:50 mark to break a 1-1 tie and give Niagara the winning goal. The Purple Eagles (6-3-0; 2-0-0 MAAC) were able to hold on for the final four minutes to give them their second victory to start MAAC play. The Lady Jaspers fall to 7-3-1 (0-1-1 MAAC).
The first half was a defensive struggle as both teams struggled to find the goal. Niagara held a 9-3 shots advantage in the opening frame. Goalkeeper
Alicia DeFino played a strong first half, making three saves.
In the 36th minute, Niagara broke through for the first goal of the game. Stephanie Gartley put in her eighth goal of the season, flicking a header that went just over the outstretched hands of DeFino. Gartley, who came into the game tied with Manhattan's
Katie Kuntz for the conference lead in goals with seven, went ahead temporarily of Kuntz.
The score remained that way for over 30 minutes of game time until Kuntz struck back on a penalty kick. After a penalty was called in the box, the senior co-captain was called on, and calmly delivered the tying goal in the 66th minute, making the score 1-1. Her eighth goal of the season tied her with Gartley for the conference lead.
After a tense 20 minutes of no goals, Manhattan was whistled for a penalty in their goal box just four plus minutes from the final whistle. Montgomery delivered, giving Niagara a 2-1 lead.
With a two game road trip in the books, the Lady Jaspers return to Riverdale on October 6th to begin a three game home stand, when they take on MAAC rival Siena College at Gaelic Park.
