Klepper's First-Half Goal Propels University of Albany Women's Soccer to 1-0 Victory Over Manhattan - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Junior midfielder Chrissy Klepper scored her second goal of the season midway through the first half and freshman goalkeeper Dani Britt made four saves to earn her first collegiate shutout in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Manhattan in non-conference women's soccer action on Friday afternoon at Varsity Field.

UAlbany (4-4), which has won four of its five home matches this season, controlled play for the entire first half and outshot the visitors by a 10-3 margin. Shayla Bergeron had the team's first scoring chance in the opening minutes when she evaded several defenders and dribbled down the center of the box with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, a defender slid in from behind at the last moment before the sophomore forward could get a shot off to disrupt the play. Rebecca Lee fired an arching shot from 30 yards out that appeared to be heading for the back of the net in the 14th minute, but goalkeeper Kara Davis leaped and got a hand on the ball to redirect it off the crossbar and keep the match scoreless.

After several missed opportunities, the Great Danes broke through with the only goal they needed in the 27th minute. Maggie DeVerna dribbled down the right sideline and sent a dangerous cross into the box to Klepper, who hammered a header shot to the far post past Davis to put the hosts on the board before the break.

The second half was more evenly played, as Manhattan (1-4-1) started to produce scoring chances in its offensive third. However, UAlbany's back line consisting of Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Casey Marks, Katie Norwood and Jess Baccaglini either broke up several of the plays before a Jasper player could take an aim at Britt or forced the visitors to take low percentage shots from outside the box. Caroline Morse's shot attempt in the 87th minute was saved by Britt, preserving the win for the Great Danes.

Britt made four saves on 11 chances for UAlbany to earn the clean sheet in net and her first career victory. Manhattan's Davis stopped seven of the 19 shots she faced in the losing effort.

UAlbany (3-4) wraps up its two-game homestand when it hosts Central Connecticut State of the Northeast Conference on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information