Box Score
West Point, N.Y. - The Manhattan Jaspers dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime decision with the Army Black Nights at Clinton Field on Monday night. Both teams had ample scoring opportunities in regulation but the score remained knotted after 90 minutes. Then, Army's Josh Koeppe rocketed a low shot from close range past sophomore keeper Christopher Lands in the 100th minute to give the Black Knights (1-1) the victory.
Koeppe, who had been the offensive threat all game, led a very fast paced, high octane squad that fired 17 shots on Manhattan goalies in the game including 10 in the first half. The Jaspers tried to keep pace on the attack with early scoring chances but could not capitalize.
A very gritty match saw a combined 33 fouls and four yellow cards handed out. Manhattan sophomore Carlo Giachino was booked in the 25th minute of the first half before Army's Carson McReynolds was issued one just before the break in the 45th minute.
In the second half, the Jaspers had a golden opportunity when Giachino got free in the box and placed a header on net that hit off the crossbar. Manhattan's offense seemed to take control, outshooting the Academy 5-4 in the frame and took four corner kicks compared to Army's zero. Meanwhile, Lands survived a barrage of attacks making three solid saves to keep things scoreless going in to the extra session.
In overtime, Koeppe put a shot on goal in the first minute that was stopped by Lands as the Black Knights picked up the intensity. Sophomore Lucas Pilar da Silva had a chance to score the deciding goal but Army goalkeeper John Marinelli was able to corral it and start his offense on the attack. In the 94th minute, Elliot McGilbra replaced Trent Brown for Army in a move that proved decisive.
Defenseman Devin Perlee fed McGilbra up the sideline who then sent a beautiful cross in to the middle that was finished by Koeppe for the game winner. Koeppe led all players with four shots on goal as Army outshot Manhattan 17-9, and put more shots on goal (8-3) while the Jaspers took five corners to the Black Knights one.
Manhattan starting keeper George Ellis played just the first half making three saves marking the second game he has played without allowing a goal. Christopher Lands played 54 minutes making four saves and giving up the lone goal. Army's goalkeeper John Marinelli made three saves in the shutout.
Manhattan (0-2) will travel to California as they play two games on the West Coast beginning with San Diego State on Friday September 9 at 7 p.m. before playing the University of San Diego on Sunday September 11 at 5 p.m.
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