Riverdale, N.Y. (September 29, 2006)- Despite holding an 18-11 advantage in shots, Manhattan could not emerge with a win in its MAAC opener this afternoon against Canisius College at Gaelic Park. The Jaspers fall to 2-9-0 (0-1-0 MAAC), while the Golden Griffs improve to 3-3-1 (1-0-0 MAAC).
Manhattan carried play early, and displayed some crisp passing, a sign that this young team is beginning to find its comfort level. However, in another sign that this is a young side, Canisius took a quick 1-0 lead after taking advantage of a misplayed ball by Manhattan goalkeeper
John Ciano at the 11:15 mark. Alan McGreal scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season, with Mariano Sapien tallying the assist after dispossessing Ciano.
The Jaspers showed their resolve and answered back with a goal of their own just over 12 minutes later. On a throw-in,
Adolfo Rivera got the ball to the feet of
Adam Kiley, who scored his first goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1 at the 23:36 mark.
Canisius regained the lead for good at the 38:20 mark, when Lyndon Pompey crossed the ball to Giancarlo Ottavino, who one-timed the ball to the back of the net.
The Jaspers had a chance to tie the score late in the first half, but Canisius keeper Pat Owarz was able to punch the ball over the crossbar. Unfortunately for the Griffs, Owarz was injured on the play, and was replaced by Matt Houghton.
Canisius increased its lead to 3-1 just 3:54 into the second stanza. On a corner kick, Rudy Pikuzinski crossed the ball to the far post and right to the head of Tom Benz, who put the ball to the back of the net to tally his first goal of the year.
At the 54:24 mark, the Griffs added an important insurance goal. Ottavino took a shot from close range that was cleared off the goal line by Manhattan's
Dan Shemanski, but Canisius' Sean Vella was right there to put home the rebound, increasing the lead to 4-1.
Manhattan turned up the offensive pressure, and brought the deficit to two goals at the 72:08 mark.
Bryan Knight sent a perfect cross to Rivera, who put home his first goal of the season.
The Jaspers continued to put pressure on the Griff net, but could not draw any closer.
Owarz recorded three saves before being replaced by Houghton, who tallied two saves. Ciano stopped two shots for Manhattan.
The Jaspers continue MAAC play on Sunday, hosting Niagara University at 10:00 a.m. at Gaelic Park on Sunday, October 1.
