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).
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