Sept. 25, 2011
Box Score
EASTON, Pa. - A second half goal from Laura Zito propelled Lafayette to a 1-0 victory over Manhattan on Sunday afternoon at Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium. Lafayette improves to 5-3-1 on the year, including 3-0 at home, and Manhattan drops to 2-5-1 overall.
"I'm very happy with the way the team played today," head coach Mick Statham said. "I thought we were very good in possession of the ball and we played with good style and authority. I would have liked to convert more of the chances we created, but it's a very good win for the team."
After taking 11 shots in a scoreless first half, Lafayette finally beat Manhattan goalkeeper Kara Davis in the 67th minute. Alyssa Finelli set up Zito's goal by crossing the ball into the penalty area before Zito netted her first collegiate goal. Davis made nine stops in the match for the Jaspers.
Lauren Smedley made two saves and earned the shutout in goal for the Maroon and White, which have won all five games this season by a 1-0 margin. In addition, Smedley's fifth clean sheet of the season ties the best single season total in school history, set by Ashley Wesmiller '03 in 2000. The junior keeper now has 17 career shutouts to her credit.
The Leopards defense limited Manhattan to just two shots in the game, both of those coming in the first half.
"I was particularly happy with the defending of Catherine Galgano," Statham added. "I thought she was absolutely outstanding today."
In addition to the 24-2 shots advantage, Lafayette held the edge in corner kicks, 6-3. Julia Bell and Meredith McCann took four shots apiece, while Shannon Neschke and Janelle Pierson added three each.
The Leopards next contest is Wednesday against Cornell and is the final tune up before conference play begins Oct. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Oaks Stadium.
