Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Looking for a much needed confidence boost, the Manhattan men's soccer team stepped out of conference play and returned home for a matinee game against Army. Juniors Daniel Festa and Christopher Lands helped spark a determined team that was able to knock off the Black Knights (4-9-1) by a final of 1-0 on Tuesday afternoon.
After a first half that saw little action on the scoreboard, the two teams went into the locker room tied up at 0-0. The first half was a physical one, with each team trading hard tackles and fouls. The Jaspers (2-11-1) got their first real scoring chance early when Isa Konneh blasted a shot from 20 yards out that missed right of goal. Army would get a couple chances as well, but Lands would make three saves in the first frame.
In the second half Manhattan took control, holding possession for the majority of the time. Their efforts would be rewarded in the 61st minute when Rob Tedesco, getting a rare start, dribbled the ball into the 18 meter box and drawing a foul. It would result in a penalty kick that Festa would finish into the low left corner beating Winston Boldt to give his squad the advantage.
From there, the Jaspers played keep away forcing the Black Knights to intensify their play. The strong midfield play by Carlo Giachino, Andrew Santos, Josh Binfield, and others proved stalwart helping to deny any equalizer. In the final ten minutes however, Army shifted their lineup to put four men up top looking for a tying goal. On three separate occasions, Lands was forced to make diving saves while his defense re-took control of the ball.
As time wounded down, Josh Koeppe would fire one last attempt at net but missed high as the Jaspers snapped a four match losing streak. Lands (1-2) finished the contest with seven saves to earn the shutout while Boldt made two for Army. The Black Knights did outshoot Manhattan 14-12 and also led in corner kicks, 6-2. Two yellow cards were issued in the match, both to the Jaspers, as Lands and Konneh each received warnings.
The Jaspers now go back on the road as they resume play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). On Friday they travel to Rider for a 4 p.m. before visiting Loyola on Sun., Oct., 28 for a 1 p.m. tilt.
