RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Junior forward Caroline Morse scored a pair of goals to lead the Manhattan women's soccer team to a season opening 3-1 victory over Robert Morris (0-1) on Friday at the Duquesne Classic in Pittsburgh, Pa. Freshman Allison Pfeiffer came off the bench and added the game winning goal in the 45th minute to secure the win. Manhattan (1-0) completes its road swing in the Steel City on Sunday when the team squares off with the Thundering Herd of Marshall.
Fifth year head coach Sean Driscoll explained, "I am very proud of the team for their overall effort today. It's never easy to get a result on the road, but they competed well and scored some quality goals. While there are kinks to still work out, it was a great start to the season."
Just nine minutes into the 2009 season, Morse tallied the first goal of the contest when she sent one past Colonials' goalkeeper Jessica Olin. Pfeiffer propelled the Lady Jaspers into intermission with a two goal advantage when she found the back of the net just 46 seconds before the first half expired. This proved to be the game winning goal.
In the 72nd minute, Morse converted her second goal of the contest and 10th of her career to give Manhattan a comfortable three goal lead. Morse's five shots in the contest anchored the Lady Jaspers 14-11 shooting edge.
Manhattan received a solid effort from its defensive unit as it held Robert Morris scoreless until the 81st minute when Colonials starting forward Ayana Davis finally slipped one into the back of the net. Ayana Davis bombarded Lady Jasper goalkeepers with a game-high seven shots. Lady Jaspers freshman keeper Kara Davis came up with four saves and held the Colonials scoreless in the first half to earn the first win of her career. Manhattan senior Caitlin Trupiano patrolled the pipes in the second half and made one save.
The victory marks the Lady Jaspers second consecutive season opening road win. Manhattan and Marshall face off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.