RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Six weeks after the Manhattan College men's soccer team opened their 2010 season at Gaelic Park, the road weary Jaspers are finally heading back to Riverdale, N.Y. for their second and third home games of the year.
Coming off a road trip that spanned five states and over 3500 miles, Manhattan (0-8-0, 0-2-0) went head-to-head with some of the top competition in the country (No. 5 University of Connecticut, Stetson University) and performed admirably despite less than fortuitous results.
"We have really battled this season and despite numerous injuries and tough opposition continue to show we can compete until games end," Coach Ashley Hammond stated.
Now heading into the heart of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play back in the Bronx, the Green and White are hoping the familiar confines will lead to a fresh start and a chance at win No.1 on the campaign. This weekend, Manhattan welcomes fellow New York State opponents Canisius College and Niagara University for back-to-back MAAC contests on Friday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 17. The two matches will kickoff at 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., respectively.
"The support from Jasper fans means everything to us. We had a tremendous crowd during our first game and hope they will come out Friday and Sunday to help root us to victory."
Beginning the league slate over the weekend, Manhattan dropped a pair of hard fought road matches to Loyola University (4-0) and Rider University (2-0). However, Monday brought with it a new set of games and the Jaspers are looking to refocus and settle the score against two opponents who have had their share of ups and downs this year.
Canisius (1-8-1, 1-1-0), went 1-1 during last week's homestand. On Friday night, the Golden Griffins defeated Fairfield University 1-0 before falling to Iona College by the same 1-0 final on Sunday. The program is led offensively by junior midfielder J.J. Hughes and sophomore forward Steve Mahon, who each have a goal and two points on the season. In net, second-year goaltender Kareem Gray has been sensational, making 42 saves in nine contests for a 1.64 goals against average.
Niagara (3-7-1, 1-1-0), also split their weekend series. In two games at Niagara Field to open MAAC play, the Purple Eagles defeated Iona 2-1 Friday night and lost a 1-0 contest to Fairfield on Sunday. Across the field, Niagara is led by a trio of juniors. In the attacking zone, Carl Haworth and Liam Gilbert are the skill players to watch, combining for 11 goals and 29 points in 11 games this season. Between the pipes, Michael Moran leads the way with 23 saves and a 2.37 goals against average in seven starts.
For Manhattan, five injured veteran players have expedited a youth movement in Riverdale. Through the first eight contests, nine newcomers have started or participated in each of the matches, contributing at every position on the field. Of the three goals scored this season, two were by freshmen, including the season opener's first tally by back Erick Montinard and a Sept. 19th finish from midfielder Carlo Giachino. Senior captain Joshua Renner has the other score. It was the first collegiate goal for all three players.
While the team is still looking to find the back of the net, it hasn't been for a lack of effort. In Sunday's defeat at Rider, Manhattan attempted a season high 17 shots, including six on goal. Senior forward Sean Russell and Montinard each had three shots, while first-year players Derek Donowick, Jake Donowick and Daniel Festa compiled two individually.
Defensively, the backline is starting to shore up as well. The seven goals allowed in the past three games are the fewest at any point during the span this season. With improved play from freshman Samuel Howard, Montinard and sophomore C.J. Dragovich, opposing offenses are having a tougher time creating in space and it has resulted in fewer chances in the attacking third.
Any ball thats has made it through has had to deal with the athleticism and resolve of first-year keeper Christopher Lands. Despite being thrust into the starting role directly following his high school career, Lands has fared well. In starting all eight games this year, he has made 44 saves and was named the MAAC Rookie of the Week on Oct. 4th.
Following this weekend's double dip action, Manhattan will don the away jerseys next weekend when they head North to take on MAAC foe Siena College on Friday, Oct. 22 and finish with a Sunday, Oct. 24 showdown at Marist College.
Live streaming and statistics of both contests will be available at gojaspers.com
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