Box Score New Britain, CT — The Jaspers came away with a 1-0 victory over CCSU on Wednesday night at CCSU Soccer Field. Manhattan used the first 45 minutes to get a feel for the Blue Devils—scoring on a goal in the 44th minute from sophomore midfielder Olivia McMaster—before taking their game to the next level over the final 45 minutes to close out their third straight win.
McMaster's goal came on a nice buildup by classmate Samantha D'Angelo before McMaster finished the play for her first career goal. D'Angelo got the assist for her first career helper.
Manhattan easily could have added to their lead in the second half as the Jaspers repeatedly applied pressure down the wings. McMaster almost struck again in the 49th minute but her shot rocked off the right post and the threat was then neutralized.
Then, in the 71st minute, Sami Derrico came close to finding the back of the net when her shot from long distance hit the left post, and Arancha Antunes' ensuing shot was off the mark. Derrico was inches away from adding her third goal of the season.
After an active first half with 4 saves, sophomore goalkeeper Molly Brunk wasn't tested on net the rest of the way and instead had to make a couple of reads on CCSU shots that went over the net. Brunk recorded her third straight shutout performance once again leading the Jaspers to a victory. Last week, Brunk was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Week for her shutout prowess in wins over LIU and Wagner.
When asked if the team has embraced a road warriors mentality, Brunk said "we're embracing it one hundred percent…we love going back on the bus with a happy smile, so it definitely motivates us and there's always something to prove when you're not on your home turf."
Coach's Angle
-Head coach Brendan Lawler on the decisive goal in the 44th minute: "Goals are always a huge lift and are huge for momentum. Sammy D'Angelo did a fantastic job of finding Liv and Liv did what she does."
-"We made some adjustments from a defensive shape in the midfield and that created some (CCSU) turnovers a little bit higher up the field in the second half."
-"We showed in those games (Fordham and Army) that we can compete physically and then we just needed to add that tactical piece and skill piece to it and we did that today."
-Lawler on Brunk's continued heroics: "Three straight shutouts is always a team effort to get that, but anything that came in from behind she took care of and continues to grow in all aspects of her game."
Homecoming vibes
Senior defender and captain Julia Nicholas returned the Nutmeg State after a standout career at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford. Playing in front of friends and family, Nicholas played the full 90 minutes and yet again helped anchor the Jaspers' stout defense.
Next Time Out
Manhattan will have the rest of the week off before taking on Delaware State on Friday, Sept. 6 at home. The game has been tabbed as Kids Days to welcome middle school and grammar school students from around the Riverdale area.
