RIVERDALE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Women's Soccer team (10-3-3, 7-2-3 Metro), clinching a Metro playoff spot in the process, prevailed in its regular season finale against the Gaels from Iona (6-10-2, 3-8-1 Metro) by a final score of 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Gaelic Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams felt each other out in this ever-so-crucial matchup for the Jaspers, with Bailiegh Johnson sending a shot out wide to the left six minutes in.
- Johnson also recorded the next two shots for the Green and White, the latter of which forced a save from the Gaels in the 22nd minute.
- Team captain Olivia McMaster forced some pressure herself, putting another on-target in the 34th, with Iona's Kayla Kalbaugh making the save.
- With neither side able to generate anything further, and the visitors held without a shot entirely, both teams headed to the locker rooms deadlocked after the 45th.
- Just three minutes into the second half of play, the referees called a foul in the box on Iona's Kalbaugh, forcing a video review.
- Following confirmation from VAR, a penalty kick was awarded to Manhattan, with Marlene Berlinghoff scoring her first goal of the season in one of the most critical moments.
- Offensive momentum didn't let up from the hosts, with fellow captain Lauren Ahearn logging two more on-target chances by the 70th.
- While Iona sent in one more opportunity at the 85th minute, Molly Brunk was there to make the stop as the Jaspers clinched their first playoff appearance since 2024.
STATS AND NOTES
- Graduate midfielder Marlene Berlinghoff scored the first goal of her Jasper career with the game-winning penalty kick.
- Senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk recorded two saves en route to the 26th shutout of her collegiate career.
- Senior defender Talia Omer, Sophomore defender Eryn Primus, Junior defender Lily Bandel, and Graduate midfielder Marlene Berlinghoff each logged a full 90 minutes on the pitch.
- Manhattan dominated Iona in the shot battle, winning 16-4 including 5-2 in the on-target category.
NEXT UP
- Head Coach Brendan Lawler and the Jaspers will now await their fate in the Metro Women's Soccer Championship. First round action is scheduled for this Sunday, November 8, with Manhattan's opponent still to be determined following the result of tonight's Sacred Heart-Fairfield matchup. Stay tuned to GoJaspers.com and the program's social media channels below for up-to-the-minute information.
Follow Manhattan Women's Soccer on Instagram and X (@JaspersWSOC).
