Riverdale, N.Y. (October 6, 2006)-Though they controlled the ball and tempo of play for the majority of the game, the Lady Jaspers (7-4-1; 0-2-1 MAAC) were unable to come up with a tying goal in the second half, dropping a 2-1 decision to MAAC rival Siena (5-4-2; 2-0-1 MAAC).
Playing just their third home game on a cold day at Gaelic Park, the Lady Jaspers tried to get back on track and earn crucial MAAC points with the goal of playing in the postseason MAAC tournament in Fairfield, Conn.
After both teams struggled through a slow start without any shots being taken, the Lady Jaspers broke through on
Christine Abrams' first goal of the season at the 27:30 mark; which was also the first shot of the game. Making her third start of the season, the senior took a pass from sophomore
Caitlin Newkirk on the left side of the goalie box, turned and fired a shot from eight yards out that beat Saints goalie Patti Carroll. The assist was Newkirk's first on the year.
Late in the first half, Siena answered back on a goal by reserve Christina Macera. Taking a pass from Amy Loughridge, Macera raced down the left side of the field and beat the charging
Alicia DeFino to tie the score.
At the 53:32 mark, Siena went ahead on a goal by Lauren Stys.
Trailing 2-1, the Lady Jaspers had several chances to get the equalizer, none better than in the 76th minute.
Mikaela Coni fired a shot that was saved by Carroll, Abrams gained control of the rebound and shot from in close but Carroll came up with the save.
With less than a minute to go, Abrams got in on the action again, flicking a ball into the box, setting up a scramble with several Manhattan players in the area, but none were able to put the ball on net.
For the game, Manhattan out shot Siena 9-4.
Courtney McMahon led the way with three shots. The Lady Jaspers also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.
On Sunday morning, Manhattan returns to action when they take on MAAC opponent Marist at Gaelic Park. The action kicks off at 10:00 a.m.
