Manna’s double OT goal lifts Bulldogs over Seawolves in Friday’s season opener, 1-0

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team nearly went the distance, was nearly doubled up on the shot chart, but stellar defense, timely runs and perseverance propelled it to a thrilling, 1-0, double-overtime victory over Stony Brook in Friday's season opener.

The Bulldogs (1-0-0) fired off ten shots and placed three on net, as junior forward Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) and freshman mid Caitlyn Linden (Newtown, Conn.) each took a pair with the latter directing one on goal and assisting on the lone goal. Sophomore mid Alex Spangler (Acton, Mass.) played sparingly off the bench, but she also assisted freshman forward Remi Manna (Pleasantville, N.Y.) on the game-winner. It was Manna's only shot of the first 98 minutes of her collegiate career.

Defensively, Bryant was sound and relied on the likes of juniors Brigitte Donaghy (Toronto, Ont.) and Amber Thomas (Rochester, N.Y.) who logged 102 and 108 minutes, respectively. Senior keeper Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) stood on her head with eight saves.

The Seawolves attempted 24 shots and aimed eight on target, but were held in check thanks to Conrad. Forwards Lindsay Hutchinson and Raven Edwards each had two three shots with two on goal, mid Christen Cahill launched five shots with one on goal, and Priscilla Wiggins attempted three.

Chances were scarce for the visitors, as Stony Brook fired off 11 shots in both halves versus just six and three for Bryant in halves one and two, respectively. Despite working three corners in the opening 45 minutes, the Bulldogs were unable to create good enough looks. Conrad and the defense did an excellent job of limiting the quality to the Seawolves shots in the opening frame, with only three being on target.

Stony Brook continued to dominate the second half with four more shots sent towards the senior netminder, but Conrad saved all of the opportunities from the hosts to keep her squad in the game.

After 108 minutes of action, it looked as if the game would end in a well-earned draw for both sides, but Seawolve's goalie Shannon Robinson launched a ball to midfield where Linden was there to win her team possession. She sent a beautiful through ball to Spangler on the right wing, who lifted a splendid cross into the box, finding the chest of Manna. The rookie played the ball off her right foot, took two dribbles and guided the ball over the keeper into the upper right corner of the net to give Bryant its first season opening win since 2012.

The Bulldogs will look to carry their momentum when they return to Smithfield for their home opener against Iona College, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.