RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Marist women's soccer team continued its hot start to MAAC play on Friday evening with its sixth straight conference victory via a 2-1 decision over Manhattan. Facing off with a defensive-minded Jasper team that is backstopped by the MAAC's leader in gaa and save percentage in Kara Davis, the Red Foxes put forth a strong offensive effort and tested Davis throughout the contest. Goal scorers, junior Alycia Cartica (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) and freshman Megan McEnroe (St. James, N.Y.) registered two of Marist's 11 shots on goal.
After being denied on their first three attempts on goal over the first 21:17 of play, the Red Foxes finally got on the scoreboard at 21:45. Off of a Samantha Panzner (Livingston, N.J.) corner kick, senior Chelsea Botta (East Longmeadow, Mass.) flicked on the ball towards the back post, where a waiting Alycia Cartica put it home for her second goal of the year. With that assist, Panzner became the first-ever Red Fox with two six-assist or more seasons, as well as she moved into third place all-time with 13 career helpers.
12 minutes later, the pesky Jaspers fought back and tied up the game with an Aislinn McIlvenny marker at 33:52.
Marist notched the eventual game-winner less than 10 minutes later at 43:34 when the recently-subbed in Megan McEnroe hit a scorching shot from atop the 18-yard box into the upper right 90 for the first goal of her collegiate career. Seniors Jackie Frey (Monroe, N.Y.) and Jessica Arabia (Naperville, Ill.) were credited with assists for setting up McEnroe.
At the half, Marist had a 10-7 advantage in shots and a 5-2 margin in shots on goal.
Instead of sitting back and resting on its one-goal lead, the Red Foxes came out in the second half and increased its pressure on Manhattan's defense. During the second period, Marist recorded 13 shots, including six on goal, while the Jaspers took just three shots with two on goal.
Junior Rycke Guiney (Naperville, Ill.) led Marist's offense with three shots on goal in the half. Unlucky for her and the Red Foxes all three attempts were denied by Davis.
With two second half saves by sophomore Andrea Wicks (East Northport, N.Y.), including one in the 89th minute, the Red Foxes would enter a 2-1 decision into the books and see their record improve to 6-0 in the MAAC and 12-5 overall.
As a team, Marist held a 23-10 advantage over Manhattan in shots and an 11-4 mark in shots on goal. Wicks finished with three saves as the winning goalkeeper.
Historically speaking, Botta and Arabia moved into first place all-time with their 78th career appearance. Coming into Friday, the senior duo was tied with Lauren Tillotson and Merrilynn Esteve for the number one position. Botta and Arabia are already first and second all-time with 78 and 76 starts, respectively.
The Red Foxes will finish up the road portion of its 2012 MAAC schedule on Sunday with a match at Saint Peter's. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 3 p.m.
