Sept. 27, 2009
Final Stats
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Siena women's soccer tallied three second half goals to come from behind and defeat Manhattan 3-1 Sunday afternoon and extend its win streak to eight games, a new program record. Freshman forward Caitlin Cahalan scored two goals and leads the team with seven this season. The Saints have erupted offensively in the second half this season, scoring 15 of their 19 regulation-time goals during that period.
"I thought this was the best game the team has played this season," head coach Steve Karbowski said. "Our composure and confidence on the ball provided a lot of possession and opportunities to create several chances in the second half. There was no panic in our play despite being down a goal at the half."
Siena (8-1, 2-0) had a great chance in the 15th minute when a Manhattan (4-6, 0-2) player committed a handball in her own penalty box. Cara Riley took the penalty kick and shot it to the right side, but goalkeeper Kara Davis made a diving save. Riley converted both of her PK's last season, scoring the game winning goal against Fairfield (Oct. 19, 2008) in the regular season and then scoring during the penalty shootout against Fairfield (Nov. 7, 2008) in the MAAC Tournament semifinals.
Less than two minutes later, Manhattan took a 1-0 lead. Courtney McMahon sent a cross from the left side into the box and Alexandra Konneker headed it past Laura Ettinger.
But the Saints came out strong in the second half and Cahalan tied the game seven minutes in. Junior midfielder Cara Riley hit a corner kick to the back post and Cahalan headed it home. She scored again in the 64th minute. Junior midfielder Tabitha Tice chipped a ball over the defense and Cahalan raced to it and slid as she reached the keeper, tipping it past her and into the net.
Sophomore midfielder Lindsay Tegas added a cushion on her fourth goal of the season. She hit a rocket from 28 yards out that sailed over Davis and into the goal.
Siena's eight game win streak tops its previous best of seven (Sept. 19-Oct. 8, 2001).
"Eight wins in a row is a great accomplishment for the team," Karbowski said. "None of the games have been easy and the girls deserve a lot of credit for winning so many close games. It's been great to have many different players contributing."
Siena returns to action this Friday when it plays at Iona. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.
