Riverdale, N.Y. (October 13, 2006)- A feisty Manhattan side gave #15 Fairfield all it could handle this afternoon at Gaelic Park, but the Stags rode an early goal to the 1-0 win over the Jaspers in a MAAC match.
Fairfield would tally the only goal of the game at the 18:31 mark, as Paul McQuade was able to put back a rebound in front of the Jasper net.
Despite the goal, the two teams played even in the opening stanza statistically, as the Stags held a one shot advantage (5-4), while each team earned two corners. In fact, all four Manhattan shots were placed on net, with Fairfield net minder Jon Paul Francini recording the save each time.
Each team put more pressure on the opposing net in the second half, as Fairfield forced Manhattan keeper
John Ciano to make four of his six saves, while Manhattan held a 6-5 advantage in shots.
The Jaspers' best chance to tie the game came with just over 14 minute remaining.
Dan Cipriano gathered a loose ball about 18 yards out and blasted a shot to the lower corner that was cleared off the line by Fairfield's Sam Bailey, preserving the shutout for the Stags.
Francini completed the day with three saves to record his second shutout of the season, while Ciano tallied six saves on the day.
Manhattan will conclude the home portion of its schedule on Sunday, October 15, hosting MAAC and local rival Iona College at 10:00 a.m. at Gaelic Park. The eight Manhattan seniors will be honored prior to the game.
