Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan College men's soccer team traveled to Smithfield, R.I. looking for the sweet taste of victory Sunday, but instead was served another bitter defeat in a 2-0 loss to Bryant University.
The Jaspers (0-3) showed a much improved effort in their second game this week after falling to the University of Connecticut 6-0 Tuesday. However, in a similar tale, they were unable to recover from an early deficit and a goalkeeper at the top of his game.
Another recipient of early season misfortune, the Bulldogs (1-2) came into the contest with a string of tough losses, including a 3-2 setback to Rhode Island on Monday. However on this day, they refused to be denied their first win of the 2010 campaign.
A Northeast Conference member, Bryant scored one goal in each half, outshooting the Green and White 16-5 on their way to an impressive 90 minutes of soccer.
After a clean-sheet for almost the entire opening half, the Bulldogs finally got onto the scoreboard in the 40th minute of play. On a penalty kick, sophomore forward Jimmy Lineberger struck a ball just passed the outstretched hands of Jaspers' freshman goalkeeper Christopher Lands for the 1-0 lead.
Lands, rebounded from a difficult match against the Huskies, making seven saves and keeping Manhattan in the game despite facing three-times as many shots.
It would stay a one-goal game deep into the second half, with Manhattan mounting several counteroffensives and putting four shots on goal in an attempt to tie the score.
If not for the man between the pipes, the chances may have resulted in a different outcome. Bulldogs' senior goaltender Victor Tutino was sensational in net, making four saves in recording his first shutout of the season.
In the 60th minute, Bryant would close the door on the Jaspers for good. On a corner kick, sophomore midfielder Edward Barr found 6'5 senior forward Tom Nelan alone in the box for an easy header to the back of the net and the eventual 2-0 final score.
"We played a great 45 minutes against a very direct style of play. It was unfortunate to give up a penalty kick late in the first half. After that we did a good job of soaking up the pressure and allowing fewer chances," coach Ashley Hammond said.
While this match will be one the team quickly tries to put behind them, Manhattan College midfielder Stefano Carlacci, will take at least one special moment from the field. His shot on goal in the 34th minute was the first of his collegiate career.
Hoping for success down in the Sunshine State, Manhattan College heads to Deland, Fla., Friday to take on Stetson University. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
To follow Manhattan Athletics on Twitter, go to twitter.com/GoJaspers or visit Manhattan's Facebook fan page.
