Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - After snapping a 22-game winless streak to Army (1-1) last season, the Manhattan men's soccer team earned its second win all-time against the Black Knights in a 1-0 triumph on Saturday night at Gaelic Park. Manhattan (1-1) used Stephen Van Rossem's goal in the 58th minute to propel the Jaspers to their first victory of the 2009 season.
The Jaspers could not capitalize on several scoring opportunities in the first half, with most of the credit to going Army goalkeeper Nick Alexander who made three saves over the first 45 minutes. In the 10th minute, Manhattan junior midfielder Matt Gormley settled a pass in the box and fired a bullet toward the top right corner of the goal, but Alexander was there to make a lunging one-handed stop. Then in the 15th minute, senior back Fernando Segares had his penalty kick blocked by Alexander who came up with another highlight reel diving save.
The Jaspers and Black Knights entered the break in a scoreless tie.
Manhattan's persistent offense finally capitalized on a scoring opportunity in the second half when Van Rossem handled a feed in the box from sophomore forward Deia Nassar. Van Rossem, a senior forward from Babylon, N.Y., fired a shot through traffic which found the left side of the net for the third goal of his career.
The Jaspers defense clamped down on Army and preserved the lead for the final 32 minutes of regulation. Manhattan backs Segares, Joshua Renner, Lenny Young and goalkeeper Joseph Lorenz anchored a defensive stand to earn the shutout. Lorenz posted four saves in the match.
Manhattan embarks on a five game road stint which begins on Wednesday when the Jaspers square off with NJIT in Newark, N.J. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
