RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Less than four minutes after checking into the match Lady Jaspers' freshman forward Kayla Howden scored the first goal of her collegiate career in the 82nd minute to propel Manhattan (6-7-2) to a 1-0 victory over Army (5-8-2) on Senior Night at Gaelic Park. Prior to the contest, Manhattan honored the seven members of its graduating senior class for their hard work and dedication to the women's soccer program over the last four years.
"This was another step in the right direction for our team," stated fifth year head coach Sean Driscoll. "It's great to get things back on track. This was another positive game for us and it is nice to send our seniors off with a win in their home finale."
The teams played an even first half on a cold and rainy evening in Riverdale. Seniors Courtney McMahon, Amanda Fischer, Laura Thurston, Tracey Colantonio, Jill Beauchamp, Caitlin Trupiano and Alexandra Konneker earned the spot start in the final home contest of their careers.
Midway through the second period both goalkeepers came up with big saves to keep the contest scoreless. In the 72nd minute, Black Knights' goalie Monica Lee made a diving save to her right stopping a blast from inside the box by Lady Jaspers' junior Kristin Spiros. On the opposite end of the field Trupiano made a goal saving stop in the 81st minute to cap a game-high four save performance.
Howden capitalized on the Lady Jaspers ensuing possession when she gathered a loose ball in Manhattan's offensive end, and broke free of her defender for a one-on-one with Lee. The freshman from Monroe, Conn. finished the game winning play by placing her shot in the left corner of the goal with 81:03 on the clock.
"The weather conditions were terrible tonight, but we fought hard and found a way to win," explained Driscoll.
Trupiano earned the win in net after posting the third shutout and eighth win of her career. Lady Jaspers' starting backs Kara Bucci, Devon Lutz, Thurston, Fischer and Beauchamp also contributed to their fourth shutout victory of the season.
Manhattan wraps up the regular-season with three MAAC road contests, before traveling to Orlando, Fla. for the 2009 MAAC Championships. The Lady Jaspers return to action on Saturday when they travel to Saint Peter's for a 12 p.m. match.
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