Bronx, N.Y. (September 29, 2007)- In the annual Battle of the Bronx game, Manhattan and Fordham played to a 0-0 draw as the Jaspers celebrated the 40th anniversary of the men's soccer program with a pre-game reception.
The two sides combined for just five shots on net for the entire 110:00 of play, as each defensive unit proved stingy.
Manhattan had a good opportunity to score with 3:45 left in regulation, following a Fordham foul, and again 1:06 into the second overtime, but did not find the back of the net. Ram goalkeeper Dan Hajducky tallied two saves on the day.
The Jasper defense, anchored by keeper John Ciano, diffused every Fordham offensive foray, including seven corner kicks. The Rams' best chance to score ended with an off sides call, though Ciano made an athletic save to deny the chance regardless. Ciano finished the game with three saves in recording his second shutout of the season.
“This was a great battle between two local rivals,” commented Manhattan head coach Michael Swanwick. “John Ciano came up big in net, and provided tremendous leadership on the field. We cleared several corner kicks without a shot on frame, which is a credit to the strong team defense we played the entire match.”
Manhattan returns to action next weekend, as the Jaspers open MAAC play. The team will travel to Fairfield, Conn. to take on Fairfield University at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, before playing local and conference rival Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. on Sunday, October 7. The Jaspers and Gaels will kick off at 12 noon.
