RIVERDALE, NY – The Manhattan Jaspers Men's Soccer team (4-8-4, 3-4-3 MAAC) fell to the reigning MAAC Champion Gaels of Iona University (8-3-5, 6-1-3 MAAC) by a score of 3-1 inside Gaelic Park on Wednesday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Green and White entered the fixture on the outside, looking into the MAAC postseason table, with a result from earlier in the afternoon.
- The reigning conference champion Gaels opened the first 11 minutes with three shots and two set pieces that were unsuccessful.
- After the Jaspers' lone set piece of the first 30 minutes, the Gaels responded with the icebreaker in the 32nd minute, before Manhattan and Iona traded shots down the stretch of the first half.
- Manhattan put together a pair of attempts within three minutes to put some pressure on the opposition. Following a Jasper caution, the Gaels responded with three shots and three set pieces, before finding the back of the net just seven minutes later to give themselves a two-goal edge.
- Following an adjustment on the pitch, Manhattan, in transition, was able to figure out the Gaels with a strike, roughly 35 yards out for Jason Araujo's first collegiate marker to narrow the lead in half.
- Physicality remained present on both sides, resulting in three combined yellow card cautions for both teams.
- On the ensuing restart in the 78th minute, Paul Abbatiello pushed the pace but came up unsuccessful. Following a Keita attempt, the Gaels, in transition, found the back of the net for the insurance tally.
- The Jaspers continued their pursuit of another marker, but were ultimately denied by the Gaels' keeper in the waning minutes of the fixture.
STATS AND NOTES
- Junior midfielder Jason Araujo posted his first career strike in the 75th minute on a redirect from captain Henry Hamilton. Araujo logged two shots with one on target in 64 minutes of action off the bench.
- Redshirt Junior defender Paul Abbatiello recorded a match-high four shots with two on goal in a full 90 minutes on the pitch.
- Sophomore defender Max Asplin-Rowley registered one shot on goal in 90 minutes of game action.
- Graduate forward Henry Hamilton added one assist to his ledger in his final match as a member of the Green and White in 90 minutes.
Follow Manhattan Men's Soccer on X and Instagram at @JaspersSoccer.
