Hartford, CT - Junior Tia Painilainen's (Espoo, Finland / Arizona) shot with just 12 seconds to play went painfully wide, as Manhattan dropped a 2-1 decision to reigning America East Co-Regular Season Champion Hartford in the season opener for each team.
In the game's final two minutes, the Jaspers rattled off five of of their nine shots but were unable to net the equalizer.
After missing last season due to injury, junior Arianna Montefusco (Levittown, NY / General Douglas MacArthur) opened the scoring in the third minute when she deposited the ball into the back of the net off a penalty kick.
In the sixth minute, Kaila Lozada was granted a penalty kick, but was denied by senior Camryn Nici (Seaford, NY / St. Anthony's). Unfortunately, the Hawks would net the equalizer two minutes later when Samantha Nelbach scored off a Sierra Stone assist.
After halftime, Lozada scored in the 57th minute off a Bridgette Alexander feed to provide the final 2-1 tally.
Notes
* Montefusco's goal was the 12th of her career, including her third via a penalty kick.
* Manhattan fell for the first time in 34 matches when scoring first, dating back to the 2014 season.
* Nici recorded a career-high six saves in defeat.
* Hartford registered advantages in corner kicks (8-0) and shots (12-9).
* Maia Perez earned the win, making two saves.
* Freshmen Jenna Buckley (Freehold, NJ / Colts Neck), Kaitlyn Cooke (Vestal, NY / Vestal) and Jess DiMatteo (East Brunswick, NJ / East Brunswick) all made the collegiate debuts.
What They Are Saying About The Jaspers
Up NextTwo penalties(one saved), two goals from the run of play, and 2-3 quality chances at a last-ditch equalizer.
— Shawn Mecchi (@ShawnMecchi) August 23, 2019
Not a bad way to open the @HartfordWSOC broadcast season!
Congrats to @natale_john and team on winning their opening match, despite tremendous effort from @JaspersWSOC.
* Manhattan will return to action at Stony Brook on Sunday, August 25 with first kick tabbed for 1:00 pm.