Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Following an emotional overtime loss on Friday, the Manhattan men's soccer team had a chance to avenge not only that loss, but last year's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship game defeat as they hosted Fairfield. After a competitive first half, the Jaspers (1-10-1) gave up three early goals in the second half falling 3-0 to the Stags.
The first 45 minutes were played very close with neither team assuming a dominant stance. Manhattan was able to pepper Fairfield goalkeeper Michael O'Keefe with multiple shots, outshooting their opponent 10-7 in the first half. The Stags had an early scoring chance off a free kick from Reco McLaren from 20 yards out. Senior George Ellis was able to make a clean save on the play and later made another stop on a bouncing ball that McLaren was barely able to get a foot on.
Towards the end of the half, Tommy Amos fed Eugene Heerschap in the middle of the box giving the sophomore a brilliant chance. However, a sliding O'Keefe came in and prevented any chance of a Manhattan goal. The game would go into the break knotted at 0-0 with O'Keefe making four saves.
Coming out of the locker room, Fairfield (5-6-1, 1-2 MAAC) immediately went on the offensive and broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. Reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year Jordan Ayris got loose on the right side of the net and placed a pass across the face of goal that McLaren finished to put his team on top.
Ten minutes later, off a corner kick, Adam Cowen headed the ball from the back post to the center of the box and McLaren again beat Ellis for his second goal of the match. The Stags would add their third of the game in the 66th minute as McLaren played a cross from right to left that George Newton re-directed to the top of the box. From there, Jon Clements had an open net and scored to make it a 3-0 margin.
Manhattan fought to get chances as freshman Alex Shackley constantly attempted to find a chance taking five shots to pace the Jaspers. Fairfield however would hold tough and send the Jaspers to their third consecutive loss. Ellis finished the day making three saves while O'Keefe did not have to make a save in the second half. Manhattan did outshoot the Stags 17-12 in the contest.
The Jaspers will return to action on Sat. Oct. 20 when they travel to Jersey City, N.J. to take on Saint Peter's.
