Riverdale, NY — Manhattan posted a 1-0 win over Niagara on Saturday afternoon at Gaelic Park. Sophomore midfielder Kaylee Stowell registered the game's only goal in the 69th minute on an electric shot from over 25 yards out. Before the game, the program honored its 9 seniors on the roster as part of the annual senior day festivities.
Manhattan did not have the same amount of room to attack like they did during their 2-1 win over Rider on Wednesday. However, the Jaspers stood tall and overcame Niagara's physical style of play. Niagara's Delta Barber was sent off in the 66th minute after taking down Amaya Hill, who was one step away from going one on one with Purple Eagles' goalie Maddie Crosbie. Nothing came off the ensuing chance, but the play was a clear turning point for the full-strength Jaspers.
It was sophomore midfielder Arancha Antunes who picked out Stowell on a play where the sophomore midfielder saw daylight and tried her luck while freezing Crosbie. Stowell's goal was her first of the season and Antunes' assist was her second on the campaign.
Manhattan took the defensive after securing the 1-0 lead and were able to come away from the battle unscathed. Molly Brunk continued her spectacular sophomore campaign in goal, picking up her seventh shutout of the season which only trails Canisius' Jordan Spencer who has eight.
Brunk was able to avert hardship thanks to a pair of Niagara shots from Emma Bough that hit the crossbar and were cleared from danger.
With 11 points to their name, Jaspers sit in a tie for fourth place with Siena.
Coaches' Reaction
Lawler on the impact of the seniors: "Most of them were recruited during COVID and I saw a handful of them play live. They came here during a tough time for everybody and have gotten better every single year. I couldn't be more proud of where we are as a program because of them."
Head coach Brendan Lawler on Stowell's goal: "She read it beautifully and went on to her left foot to rip it. Goals like that in the middle of the season when three points are so much bigger than one point make it a sense of relief when the clock hits zero."
Next Time Out
Manhattan will pay a visit to Siena on Wednesday with kick-off slated for 3 p.m. The game will be streamed on Siena All-Access. The match-up between the Jaspers and Saints pits Kaylee Stowell up against her twin sister Megan Stowell, who was the 2023 MAAC Rookie of the Year.
Follow Manhattan Women's Soccer on Instagram (@jasperswsoc) and X (@JaspersWSOC).
