Jersey City, NJ – Freshman AILEEN CAHILL netted the game-winning goal in the 50th minute as the Montclair State women's soccer team edged New Jersey City 2-1 in New Jersey Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon.

Fellow freshman SAMANTHA GABRIELE tallied the other goal for the Red Hawks (1-0-1, 1-0-1 NJAC), while Kim Brites scored the lone marker for the Gothic Knight (0-1-0, 0-1-0 NJAC). MSU moves to 25-2 all-time against the Gothic Knights, including 10 straight wins.

Senior goalkeeper PHOEBE BLEDSOE was tested early, making a save on Shea Ramirez in the 10th minute. LINDSAY BATHMANN and Mackenzie Cancro had chances for the Red Hawks, but goalkeeper Cidney Lee-Sam denied both Red Hawk opportunities. The Gothic Knights drew first blood in the 24th minute. Brites was able to knock in a pass from Krysti Alejandro to put NJCU up 1-0.

The Gothic Knights were unable to put any more shots on target during the rest of the half, allowing Montclair to pull level in the 39th minute. Sophia Ambrosio had a chance that went high before Gabriele evened the game at the 38:27 mark. Montclair had one additional shot, but SAMANTHA SENATORE's shot with 14 seconds left was wide.

Montclair needed just 4:31 to take the lead in the second half. Senior KAITLYN SCRIVANICH found Cahill, and she buried the chance for her first collegiate goal, putting MSU on top. Montclair looked to increase the lead, but Lee-Sam had saves in the 60yh and 67th minute to keep it a one-goal game. NJCU had two late chances, but Bledsoe denied Alejandro in the 88th minute and Brites with 52 seconds left.

Bledsoe made three saves to earn her first victory of the year. Senior MADDIE MUSICO and Cahill led the way with three shots as MSU had a 24-6 advantage in shots. Lee-Sam stopped nine shots in the setback.

After a bye on Wednesday, the Red Hawks return to MSU Soccer Park on Saturday when they host the Cougars of Kean
University at 1 pm.