September 8, 2006

Box Score

NEWARK, NJ - Visiting Manhattan boosted its record to 4-0 with a 3-0 women's soccer win over New Jersey Institute of Technology, as the Jaspers scored all three goals in the second half, including a pair in the final 5:05 to seal the win Friday night at Lubetkin Field.

NJIT, which has been hit by a rash of injuries early in its first season at the Division I level, yielded just a penalty kick through nearly 85 minutes of action before Manhattan locked up the win with the two late goals.

Three different players accounted for the Manhattan goals and Alicia DeFino made two saves, as the Jaspers defensive record remained spotless in 2006, with four shutouts in four games.

The penalty kick was awarded for a foul near the edge of the penalty area and Katie Kuntz made no mistakes on the pk, scoring at 50:27 to give Manhattan the lead.

The Highlanders, who were focused on defense for most of the match, pushed forward looking for the equalizer with about 10 minutes left. Taking advantage of an increase in space in the attacking area, Mikaela Coni scored off a steal, adding an insurance goal, unassisted, at 84:55. Just 57 seconds later, Christina Reina notched a goal assisted by Amanda McCormick.

NJIT's Bruna Lotufo was outstanding in goal, picking up 11 saves, including a lunging tip over the crossbar on a shot by Jess Garcia in the 53rd minute. Manhattan's Rachel Pennullo hit the crossbar a minute later to keep the score at 1-0.

The Highlanders (0-4), who got an unexpected home game when Friday's match was switched off of Manhattan's home field, will go on the road Wednesday, September 13 for a 3 pm game at Iona in New Rochelle, NY.