Stony Brook, N.Y. (April 29, 2007)- Ending its spring season on a high note, the Manhattan College men's soccer team reached the finals of the Stony Brook University Collegiate Soccer Series, losing only in the ninth round of penalty kicks after a scoreless final game. In its four games during the tournament, the Jaspers allowed no goals.
In group play in the six-team competition, Manhattan defeated conference rival St. Peter's 1-0 on a goal from Stephen Van Rossem and then beat Borough of Manhattan Community College 1-0 on a tally from Adolfo Rivera.
Winning its group, Manhattan wound up facing St. Peter's again in the tournament semifinals after St. Peter's defeated New York Institute of Technology. Again, the Jaspers came out on top, winning a penalty kick shootout 4-2, with Manhattan keeper John Ciano coming up big by saving two Peacock penalties.
In the final, Ciano came up big again with a shutout, and then took Stony Brook to the ninth round of the shootout.
The Jasper's ended the 5-date spring season with 3 wins, 3 losses and 4 ties, prompting Coach Michael Swanwick to point to the tremendous progress the team is making.
“We have shown a tremendous amount of growth this spring season and it was great to come home with a finalist trophy,” Swanwick said. “We are still a young team that is now showing it has what it takes to win and we are clearly chomping at the bit to come back in August ready to begin our quest for the MAAC championship.”
