BROOKVILLE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Women's Soccer team (1-1), on the backs of two scores from sophomore
Scarlett Smith, emerged victorious in its non-conference battle over the Sharks from LIU (0-2) by a final score of 3-1 at LIU Soccer Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Throwing out the same starting XI as Thursday's tilt against Monmouth, the Jaspers found their chemistry early.
- After Manhattan tallied the first few chances of the game, LIU connected on their opening shot of the afternoon, with Isabel Kyprislidis striking first in the 13th minute.
- Quickly pressing in the offensive end, newcomer Baileigh Johnson controlled the throw-in from Madison Heitman and found the back of the net above the goalkeeper's head less than 90 seconds later.
- In a two-minute sequence between the 34th and 36th minutes, Payton Wilkerson and Katie Cragan each generated quality opportunities, forcing a pair of saves from Alexandra DaEira-Loccisano.
- Close to the halftime horn, Gianna Fucile registered her own shot on target before Cragan registered another at the buzzer.
- Coming out of the locker room, the Green and White once again placed the pressure on the hosts right away.
- Following a deep pass from midfield from Fucile, Scarlett Smith handled the ball past the goalkeeper and into an undefended net 93 seconds after the opening whistle, giving Manhattan their first lead.
- Fewer than 10 minutes later, Cragan deflected a cross down and Smith once again found herself in the perfect place at the perfect time, doubling the Jasper lead at 3-1.
- Already holding three saves under her belt, Molly Brunk denied every chance that came her way in the second half, making three saves in a six-minute stretch.
- Manhattan continued to impose their will offensively, tallying the final 11 shots of the contest and earning their first win of the season.
STATS AND NOTES
- Sophomore forward Scarlett Smith doubled her career scoring output with two goals this afternoon, tying her total from last season.
- First-year forward Baileigh Johnson scored her first collegiate goal to open the contest, and led the way in shots amongst her teammates with six.
- Senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk stopped six chances from the Sharks, with three in each half.
- Manhattan dominated the shots battle, doubling up LIU's opportunities 28-13, including a 12-7 advantage on target.
- The Green and White also accumulated 10 corners, their highest mark of the young season.
QUOTES FROM THE JASPERS
- Head Coach Brendan Lawler: "Road wins, especially of the comeback variety, show the character of a team. LIU can be a difficult place to play and once we sorted some things out, we played really well."
NEXT UP
- Lawler and the Jaspers will be back in action on Thursday (Aug. 20), when they travel back inside New York City limits to take on cross-Bronx foe Fordham. Action is scheduled to get underway at 7:00 PM, and action can be viewed live on ESPN+ with a paid subscription.
Follow Manhattan Women's Soccer on Instagram and X (@JaspersWSOC).
