Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Freshman defender Andrew Melitsanopoulos scored his first two career goals just 1:17 apart to lift Manhattan to thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Marist on Saturday in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action. The Jaspers (4-9-2, 4-2-2 MAAC) are now unbeaten in their last three matches while Marist (3-13-0, 2-6-0 MAAC) was eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
The pace of play favored Manhattan at the start as the team found ways to put pressure on the Red Foxes from the opening minute. However, Marist also had some chances with Evan Southworth forcing Alex Coates McDowall to make a solid save in the 23rd minute. Moments later, the Jaspers were awarded a free kick from about 25 yards out on the right side. Dominic Chavez sent a high-arching cross towards the back post where Alex Shackley headed it home for the 1-0 lead.
That advantage would propel the Jaspers throughout the half, continuing to find multiple scoring opportunities. Daniel Laguna Kennedy had two open chances in the box but missed wide each time. With time winding down in the half, Marist played a bouncing ball forward hoping for an equalizer. They would find one as Greg Davis was able to softly touch the ball over the head of Coates McDowall in the 44th minute. The two players would collide and fall to the turf, allowing the ball to trickle into the net. Marist scored again with just four seconds left when a foul was called in the box and Tony Carreras converted on the penalty kick.
At the start of the second half, momentum heavily favored the Red Foxes. They continued to press and controlled the tempo throughout. Davis was the main threat, hitting the post twice while missing wide on another. Manhattan relied heavily on their freshman keeper who made multiple saves to keep the Jaspers within one. Finally, in the 76th minute, the tide began to turn.
After a yellow card was issued to Marist's MJ Stellwag, Shackley used the free kick to try and tie up the match. His shot was saved out of bounds by goalie Anthony Sokalski, giving Manhattan a corner. That opportunity set up a shot for Melitsanopoulos that Sokalski again deflected. But Marist would be unable to clear the ball and the Jaspers took advantage when Reese Akers sent a cross from the left side of the box that Melitsanopoulos hammered home to tie things up at 2-2.
In the 79th minute he scored again after Tommy Amos was given a free kick just to the left of the penalty area and sent a low cross that Melitsanopoulos settled and scored. Marist fought for another tying score but the Jasper defense held tight, allowing only one shot to be put on goal in the final 10 minutes.
Coates McDowall made five saves in the match for the second consecutive game while Sokalski stopped two shots, both in the second half. Marist outshot the Jaspers in the contest 14-11 and earned eight corners to Manhattan's six.
With the victory the Jaspers now have 14 points and are alone in fourth place in the MAAC standings with two games remaining. Manhattan can clinch a berth in the conference tournament with a win in either of their final two matches. The team returns to action on Wed., Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. when they travel to New Rochelle, N.Y. to take on Iona.
