Box Score Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan women's soccer team earned its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) victory of the fall on Saturday afternoon when the squad defeated Marist 2-1 at Gaelic Park. With the win, the Jaspers remain unbeaten in conference play and move to (6-3-1, MAAC 1-0-1). Marist falls to (1-6-1, MAAC 0-1-1) with the loss.
A gorgeous strike off the right toe of senior Aislinn McIlvenny in the 40th minute proved to be the difference as the Jaspers took a 2-1 lead into halftime, one they would hold onto the rest of the way. Senior Daniella Morgante provided McIlvenny with the ball near the top of the 18-yard box to the left of Marist senior starting goalkeeper Andrea Wicks. McIlvenny tiptoed around one Marist defender before blasting a shot inside the far corner to make it 2-1 Manhattan.
The second half was dominated by a strong defensive effort by the Jaspers, which led to a few chances to extend their lead. Junior Sam Washuk saw one of her efforts get stopped by Wicks, while McIlvenny saw one of her attempt at goal sail high in the waning stages of the final 45.
The Red Foxes leapt out to an early 1-0 lead in the first half, when Brianna Robinson slotted a rebound into goal in the 13th minute. After senior defender Shannon Garrity cleared the ball off the line following a shot by sophomore midfielder Juliette Loccisano, the Manhattan defense could not fully rid the danger as Robinson booted it in.
The Jaspers answered quickly with a goal in the 20th minute. McIlvenny raced along the far rigt side and swung a beautiful ball into the box that Washuk chested into the goal to knot the score at 1.
Action in the second half was a bit chippy, as one player from each side picked up a yellow card. Marist senior defender Marissa Mertens was cautioned in the 63rd minute for an aggressive slide tackle on Jaspers senior midfielder Kaelyn Angelo. Manhattan freshman center back Emily Center picked up a yellow card in the 67th minute after trying to establish position on a Manhattan free kick.
The Jaspers return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 1, when they head to New Rochelle to take on the Iona Gaels (4-6-1, MAAC 0-1-1) at 3 p.m.
