Jaspers Score Winning Goal Eight Minutes Into First Overtime

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Yale Classic ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Bulldogs.

Aislinn McIlvenny scored eight minutes into overtime to lift Manhattan to a 2-1 victory over Yale on another gorgeous day at Reese Stadium.

The Bulldogs, who suffered their first loss of the season, had taken a 1-0 lead when Frannie Coxe scored on a penalty kick at 63:33.

Manhattan, though, tied it when Tiffanie McIntosh fired a shot just under the crossbar from the top of the box 13 minutes later

Both teams had good chances in the extra period before McIlvenny's game-winner.

After playing perhaps their best game of the young season in Friday's 2-0 victory over Western Kentucky, the Bulldogs seemed a bit out of sync against the Jaspers.

"Credit to Manhattan. They outworked us and wanted the game more," said Yale head coach Rudy Meredith. "If we want to be mediocre than this is how we will play, but if we want to be champions, this is unacceptable."

The Bulldogs (3-1) had a 7-4 edge in shots in the first half, but all seven of their shots missed the goal.

Yale was more accurate in the second half, but Manhattan goalkeeper Kristen Skonieczny was up to the challenge as she made four saves.

Still, the Bulldogs grabbed the lead on Coxe's third goal of the season midway through the half. Yale was awarded the penalty kick when Sarah McCauley was taken down hard chasing a ball in the box.

Yale's best chance in overtime came two minutes in. The Jaspers were whistled for a foul just outside the box. Melissa Gavin got off a good, hard shot, but Skonieczny snared it.

Persistence paid off for McIlvenny on the game-winner. Her initial shot was blocked but she got the rebound and blasted a shot just inside the post from 20 yards out.

In first game of the day, Western Kentucky knocked off Sacred Heart 2-1 in overtime.

All four teams in the tournament split their two games. Sacred Heart ends up as the champions by virtue of goal differential. The Pioneers beat Manhattan 4-0 on Friday.

The Bulldogs are back in action on Tuesday when they host Saint Peter's. Kickoff at Reese Stadium is slated for 7 p.m.

Report filed by Tim Bennett (timothy.bennett@yale.edu), Yale Sports Publicity