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RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The IUPUI women's soccer team captured an all important road win on Friday night (Sept. 1), picking off Manhattan, 1-0. Freshman Valentine Pursey tallied her second game-winning goal of the young season and sophomore Sophia Lipka collected her second shutout in net. Pursey netted the evening's lone goal just before halftime, thanks to a Leia Peterman assist. 

"It was a pretty hard fought game and we played some players extended minutes as they were playing well," IUPUI Head Coach Chris Johnson said. "Krissy and V battled hard and created several good chances each before V made a great play on Leia's cross. Natalie, Becca and Jenna all had very good games playing against two crafty forwards. Sarah kept winning balls in the midfield and Jess Flores played maybe her best game yet.

"Beth Parks was also dangerous at the outside mid using her speed to get down the line. I could not be more proud of the effort from everyone."

Despite being outshot 13-12 for the game, IUPUI earned a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, five of which came before halftime. Pursey's score was a result of the Jaguars' fifth corner kick as Peterman drove a cross to the far post, setting up the winner. 

IUPUI (2-3) kept the heat on the Hatters early in the second half, largely behind Krissy Kirkhoff and Hayley Shelton. When Manhattan did get in the attack, Lipka kept it clean with Natalie McNally, Becca Spitalniak and Jenna Sterr forming a strong back line. McNally played a full 90 minutes in the defensive third while Spitalniak and Sterr each played more than 70 minutes. 

"After a long day of traveling, it was a great team effort for the full 90 minutes. I'm proud of everyone for stepping up when needed," Spitalniak said. "It was a step in the right direction and I hope we can continue on this path."

Lipka finished with five saves while Pursey attempted a game-high six shots. Erica Modena led Manhattan (1-3-1) with four shot attempts. 

The shutout was Lipka's third of her young career while Pursey now has two of IUPUI's four goals on the season. Kirkhoff and freshman Kamryn Benscoter have the team's other two tallies. 

IUPUI will continue the two-game New York trip on Sunday when it faces Wagner at noon.