Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Opening the season against a familiar foe for the second time in three years, Manhattan (0-1) fell to Rutgers (2-0) 11-3 Sunday afternoon at the RU Turf Field in Piscataway, N.J.
Entering 2011 with the dubious task of replacing nine starters from last season's squad, including All-MAAC First Team members James Synowiez and Steve Sternberg, the Jaspers showed toughness in a competitive first contest but gave way to a veteran Scarlet Knights' unit.
Coming off a victory against Wagner, Rutgers continued their strong play at home, scoring the first four goals of the game to push Manhattan back early.
Less than two minutes into the contest, Scarlet Knights' junior midfielder Will Mangan opened the scoring when he beat Jaspers freshman goalkeeper Rich Akapnitis to make it 1-0 Rutgers. The first of four goals, Mangan would connect again with 4:14 left in the first to extend the lead to 2-0.
After two more goals by Rutgers sophomore attacker Dustin Clancy and junior defender Andrew D'Agostino made it 4-0 with 14:43 remaining in the second period, Manhattan would mount a small comeback with two of their own.
Getting the Kelly green and white on the scoreboard in 2011, sophomore midfielder Tyler Jarvis ripped a shot past Scarlet Knights' sophomore goalkeeper Joseph Donnelly to cut the deficit to 4-1 with 4:56 left in the period. Following in suit, senior attacker Justin Jensen added a score of his own, making it 4-2 with 1:44 to go.
Scoring before the half, Rutgers would take a 5-2 lead into the break. Upon returning, both teams would trade scores to open the third period before the Scarlet Knights would put the game away with five unanswered goals.
At the 11:15 mark of the period, junior midfielder Michael Diehl found the net to give Rutgers a 6-2 advantage. Fighting hard to keep the contest in reach, junior midfielder Brendan Rogers would cut the score to 6-3 with 8:15 left in the third. However, the Jaspers would not get any further as four Scarlet Knights would combine for five goals the rest of the way to give Rutgers an 11-3 win.
In net, Donnelly made two saves in recording the victory. For Manhattan, Akapnitis made his first collegiate start and recorded nine saves.
Overall, Rutgers outshot Manhattan 40-12 and held a slim margin in ground balls (20-19) and face-offs (12-18/6-18). The Jaspers also committed 17 turnovers compared to 12 for the Scarlet Knights.
Manhattan will have five days off before heading to Moon Township, Pa. next Saturday for a matchup with Robert Morris. Opening face-off is set for 1 p.m.
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