Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Jaspers' junior goalkeeper Kara Davis put on a show with eight saves and Devon Lutz notched her second career goal in Manhattan's 1-0 victory over Fordham (2-3-1) on Friday at Gaelic Park. Lutz rolled one into the net in the 63rd minute to give Manhattan (1-2-0) its first victory against their cross-town rivals since 2005.
Lutz received a pass from freshman Kiersten McGarty , forcing the Rams goalkeeper to charge out of the net. Lutz said a miscommunication between the Fordham defender and goalie-the two nearly collided-allowed her to put a foot on the ball, which bounced in.
"I actually went to make a pass," said Lutz. "But it hit off the defender, the goalie dove, and I managed to hit it in with the left."
The goal was Lutz's second of her career, both of which were game-winners. Her first goal came as a freshman in a contest against Saint Peter's.
The last time the Jaspers defeated Fordham at Gaelic Park was Sept. 8, 1996. This was the Jaspers' 10th victory all-time against the Rams.
Manhattan head coach Brendan Lawler said the forwards are starting to exhibit their full potential. After back-to-back 1-0 setbacks to open the season, Lawler wanted to see his forwards begin to out hustle opponents' defenders.
"Our forwards can run, and they can put teams in pressure," he said, referring to Lutz's effort as "relentless."
But the story wasn't just about the offense. Davis recorded her first shutout of the season and ninth of her career.
The defense was successful in keeping the Rams from finding open looks throughout much of the game, and that was recognizably so in the opening minutes of the second half. Fordham's Annie Worden stole a ball intended for Claire Reinhard and had no one between her and Davis. However, Reinhard and Jordan Luithle chased down the Ram and prevented a shot.
In the next Fordham possession, Worden came right back with another breakaway, but Davis came rushing out of the box to beat Worden to the ball after she dribbled too far ahead of herself.
"This group has never beat Fordham, so it feels great," Davis said. "We're getting back on the right foot."
With time running out, the Rams put together one last charge, but Manhattan's solid defensive effort kept the Rams scoreless. A Fordham corner kick hit the outside of the goal in the 84th minute, and the Jaspers cleared another corner in the 87th minute.
In the 88th minute, Fordham's Kelsey Dougherty Howard fired a shot toward the goal, but a jumping save by Davis effectively put the game to rest.
Manhattan looks to build on their success on Sunday when the Jaspers visit Fairleigh Dickinson for a 1 p.m. match.
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