Women's soccer continues hot streak in thriller against Manhattan

By Stephen Lapage, Contributor

The clash between Canisius and Manhattan was gruesome as both teams looked to add another win to their already impressive records. With the Griffs' remarkable win streak hanging in the balance, it was the standout performance of Meghan Heath that set the stage. The sophomore netted her inaugural collegiate goal, giving Canisius an early lead. But Manhattan refused to roll over, and after a shot that was originally saved by Canisius’s Jordan Spencer bounced back to the feet of another Jasper forward, Manhattan tied the match at one. Spencer maintained her composure despite letting in what was just her third goal allowed all season.

Canisius regained the lead with four minutes remaining in the half as freshman Elizabeth Cavanaugh found the net to score her first collegiate goal. The Griffs took the one-goal advantage into halftime with their sights set on extending their lead as the game resumed.

Both teams battled to score in the second half, with the first goal of the half coming nearly 20 minutes in when Manhattan’s Kaitlyn Cook tied the match 2–2. The intensity only escalated as both sides fought aggressively for possession, with physical encounters becoming a hallmark of the match.

In the end, neither team could break the tie, resulting in a final score of 2–2. Although the Griffs failed to come away with a win, the offense managed to extend games in which they scored two or more goals to four, something the program hasn't done since 2010.

“We have had a strong defensive team for a while now, and it is incredible to finally be getting some offensive action as a team,” said goalie Jordan Spencer. “We have scored multiple goals in four straight games now, and we hope to continue this pattern for the season. We have strong talent offensively, and seeing them find success by putting the ball in the back of the net brings us all lots of joy!” Spencer added.

With this draw, Canisius extended their unbeaten streak to eight games, marking the longest such streak in program history since 1989.

The Griffs look to stretch their unbeaten streak to nine as Spencer says that they are “hungry for a win” against the Quinnipiac Bobcats on Saturday, Sept. 23.