Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Manhattan Women's Soccer team held a very aggressive Lafayette team scoreless through the first half despite seeing 11 shots fired and continued to play stout defense in the second frame. However, they were unable to break through the Leopards defense and fell 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Goalkeeper Kara Davis was spectacular, making nine total saves, while her defense was able to limit the amount of quality scoring chances despite the high octane offense presented by Lafayette. Davis made multiple diving saves denying a goal midway through the second half but eventually the Leopards struck. Alyssa Finelli sent cross in to the box that connected with Laura Zito to break the tie in the 67th minute.
The Jaspers (2-5-1) did have some chances late in the match to knot things up but a very strong defensive effort by Lafayette proved to be too much. Manhattan was only able to take two shots all game long, both in the first half, and only had three first half corner kicks.
Their best opportunity to get on the scoreboard came in the final five minutes when the Jaspers were awarded a free kick after a handball in the 86th minute. However, Martine Diamond's free kick went straight in to the Leopard wall and the team would hold on for the shutout. Lafayette goalkeeper Lauren Smedley deflected just two shots in the first half to record the win.
The Jaspers will be back in action on Sept. 30 when they open their conference schedule against Canisius at 4 p.m. at Gaelic Park. Their match will kick off a Manhattan soccer double-header as the Men's team will host cross town rival Fordham at 7 p.m. that night.
To follow Manhattan Athletics on Twitter, go to twitter.com/GoJaspers or visit Manhattan's Facebook fan page.
