Riverdale, N.Y. (October 27)-Senior
Katie Kuntz scored on a penalty kick in double overtime, giving the Lady Jaspers (12-5-1; 4-3-1) a 2-1 upset over Loyola, ending the Greyhounds' 45 game unbeaten streak in MAAC play. In a season of big moments, an opening day victory over Central Connecticut, six straight wins to begin the season, Friday afternoon's win over Loyola (9-6-2; 7-1-0) is the biggest.
The Greyhounds, who are ranked 10th in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to soccerbuzz.com, have dominated the MAAC in recent years. The have the hardware to back it up, a MAAC regular season championship in 2005, regular season and playoff championships in 2004 and 2003. Yet the Lady Jaspers beat Loyola for the first time since 1998, and for just the second time ever. Manhattan pulled off arguably the biggest win in program history, and in the process broke the program record for wins in a single season with their 12th.
Early on, Manhattan was intent to prove that this afternoon would be different from years past, nearly getting goals from two seniors playing their second to last game. In the eighth minute,
Jess Garcia nearly put the home side in front with a shot that clanked off the right post. Minutes later,
Christine Abrams, who played a strong game and was in on several scoring chances, fought through the Loyola defense to have a clear shot on net, only to shoot high.
After a scoreless and evenly played first half, Abrams made good on a scoring chance early in the second half.
Courtney McMahon broke through and fired a shot on net that was saved by Loyola keeper Brittany Henderson. Abrams though kept with the play and was in position to collect the loose rebound and scored her second goal of the season.
Just minutes later, Loyola answered back. Kaitlin Klar sent a free kick into the box, setting off a scramble for the loose ball that was put in by Courtney Arikian.
Neither team was able to muster any significant scoring chances the rest of the way, sending the game into overtime, and then double overtime.
In the second extra frame, Abrams was at it again. Taking a pass from
Rachel Pannullo, Abrams broke in on net, but was fouled Henderson, setting the stage for Kuntz. The senior tri-captain, now with six game winning goals and perfect on penalty kicks this season, calmly shot low and to the left, beating Henderson for the game winner. For Kuntz, it was her second walk-off goal this season, beating four-time defending NEC champions Central Connecticut on opening day with a header in double overtime.
Next up for the Lady Jaspers is the last game of the season, which is also senior day. Manhattan will honor their three seniors,
Katie Kuntz,
Christine Abrams, and
Jess Garcia, prior to Sunday morning's game against Rider. Kick-off time is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
