EDISON, NJ - In light of the program's winningest season in over a decade, the Manhattan University women's soccer team has been honored with five All-Metro selections including two on the Second Team, according to a release from the conference Monday morning.
Marlene Berlinghoff and
Olivia McMaster pace the list earning spots on All-Metro Second Team, while
Lauren Ahearn,
Mary Trudeau, and
Molly Brunk round out the list on the Third Team. Five players being recognized with All-Conference honors is the most for Manhattan since 2017.
"We are a values-based program with the idea of team first at its core. Molly, Lauren, Liv, Mar, and Mary have embodied these values on the field and were vital members to our best season in a long time. Moreso, they are players that have grown in all areas and for that, more so than any award, are we all so proud of them," commented Head Coach
Brendan Lawler.
Berlinghoff exemplified what it meant to control the game in the midfield, keeping balls in the offensive zone for the Green and White and contribute to one of the top defensive units in the conference. In addition, her leg became the most trusted by November, being called to the penalty box in both of the final two outings of the season. Her penalty kick goal against Iona (Nov. 4) sent the Jaspers into the postseason, standing up as the only score in the regular season finale.
"Mar is an unsung hero in the middle of the field that we don't keep stats for. Her ability to regain possession and start our attacks has been vital to our success. Very happy that she has been recognized," added Lawler.
Conversely, McMaster was as much of an offensive weapon as you could have in the midfield throughout the season. The Williamstown, New Jersey native scored seven times and tied her teammate Ahearn in overall points with 17. Her ability to keep pressure on the opposition's defense was done at an exceptional level, with her 3.94 shots per contest ranking second across the Metro and 25th nationally. In what was a milestone victory for the Green and White, McMaster both scored and assisted in the Jaspers' 2-0 win over Quinnipiac at Gaelic Park (Sept. 28).
"Liv has been an attacking force since she stepped on campus but her overall work ethic and drive to continue developing her game is what allowed her to grow so much. Glad she has been recognized for those efforts," remarked Lawler.
Trudeau starts the Third Team selections with exceptional play on the defensive end. Aiding to a unit that never gave up more than one goal in any game this season, the born-Philadelphian led a charge that ranked 15th across the country in goals allowed per game (0.588). The Senior rounds out her collegiate career with 18 starts across nearly 1,800 minutes played as a Jasper.
"Mary was an equal part with Mar for all of the defensive success we had this year. Her reading of the game to intercept, double down, and win all aerial balls set the tone for our success. Very happy this was seen by our opponents," said Lawler.
Ahearn was the offensive life-force for Manhattan, even finding a two-goal afternoon when Delaware State came to Gaelic (Aug. 31). Finishing with four game-winning goals, she ranks inside the top 35 nationally at the time of writing. Her eight goals as a whole also put her within the top ten across the Metro as well.
"Lauren's career arc is a model for resilience and personal development that will be shared with others for a long time. Very happy for her," Lawler commented.
Brunk closes out a historic career as a Jasper with her senior season. A goals-against-average of 0.59 sets a new single-season record at Manhattan, while a 1.02 mark across all four years ties the career record with recently inducted Manhattan Hall of Famer Kristen Skonieczny, who controlled the posts from 2012-15. The Fairfax, Virginia native's save percentage also put her inside the top 30 (.841) across the country, spearheading the top defensive unit in the Metro.
Brunk will hang up her cleats holding six records in Manhattan history: single-season wins (10, 2024 and 2026), single-season shutouts (10 in 2024), single-season GAA (0.59, 2026), career shutouts (26), career wins (30), and career GAA (1.02).
"Molly is an all-time great at her position and as a leader. Her recognition is very well-deserved," Lawler remarked.
Stay tuned to GoJaspers.com for updates on postseason awards and the 2027 season.
