Box Score
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (August 31, 2008) ? The Manhattan College men's soccer team came out strong against Rutgers University, missing on a two good chances early on, then gave up a goal with about 10 minutes to go in the first half on the way to a 3-0 loss Sunday evening at Rutgers' Yurcak Field.
“We had two very good chances very early in the contest, then another excellent chance midway through the first half,” said Jasper head coach Michael Swanwick. “Against a team like Rutgers, you need to finish those chances because you know later those misses may come back to haunt you and that is just what happened.”
“For our first time out against competition ? and competition like a good team from the Big East -- I was very proud of the squad,” Swanwick noted.” We are working some new faces into the lineup and at least for the first half we played very well. Next time out, we will need to put two halves together and I am confident that we can.”
After an evenly played first 35 minutes, Rutgers took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Dilaver Duka, who slotted home a cross from Kevin McFadden. McFadden streaked down the far side of the field before delivering a low cross into the box to a slashing Duka, who came on just in time to flick it past Manhattan goalkeeper John Ciano.
After coming out strong in the first several minutes of the second half, the Jaspers suffered another letdown when Duka scored off another assist from McFadden to put the Scarlet Knights ahead 2-0. Then, minutes later, McFadden registered a third assist, taking a free kick in the 57th minute that found Jimmy Simon at the back post for the 3-0 lead.
Rutgers (now 2-0) outshot the Jaspers, now 0-1 on the season. Jasper keeper Ciano had seven saves on the night, while Randall Brobson, who came on for Ciano with about 15 minutes to go, had one save.
Manhattan's returns to action Saturday at 7 p.m. for a home opener against Fairleigh Dickinson University.
