Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Niagara's Chelsea Mandiro scored in the 109th minute to give the Niagara Purple Eagles a 2-1 victory over the Manhattan Women's Soccer team. The goal came after multiple chances thwarted by the Jasper defense and goalkeeper Kara Davis.
Manhattan (2-7-1) took an early lead once again thanks to Martine Diamond's team high fifth goal in the 13th minute. Diamond took a feed from Janie Schlauder and was able to flick it past Niagara keeper Gaberielle Wilson who charged out of the night to try and deflect the shot.
That score would hold the remainder of the period as the Jaspers controlled tempo for the majority of the half despite Niagara having a 18-8 shot advantage. After the break, the momentum turned when the Purple Eagles took full control in the offensive half and fired a total of 24 more shots in the final 65 minutes of the match.
The contest became tied in the 69th minute when Niagara's Courtney Pierce found Michaela DiFazio who beat Davis to the low right corner as the Manhattan keeper came out to play the loose ball.
The Jaspers were unable to truly find a scoring opportunity late as Niagara continued to press and keep Manhattan playing out of their own defensive third. As time ticked off the clock in regulation, both teams made last ditch efforts to prevent extra time but neither could capitalize.
At the start of overtime, Manhattan began by challenging early and often with attempts from Megan Lavecchia and Devon Lutz who were unable to get a true shots on net. Late in the second overtime period, Claire Reinhard and the rest of the Jasper back line were unable to clear the ball which was when Mandiro turned and fired a shot from 20 yards out that went over the outstretched arms of Davis and in for the game-winning goal.
Overall, Davis made 16 saves in the game marking her fourth double-digit save game of the year, while Wilson made seven saves for the Purple Eagles.
The Jaspers will be back in action when they travel to Loudonville, N.Y. to take on Siena on Fri. Oct. 7th.
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