Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan junior Andrew Hurst scored the game-tying and game-winning goals to propel the Jaspers to a 6-5 win over Detroit on Saturday afternoon at Gaelic Park. The win improves the Jaspers' conference record to 3-2, putting them in position to advance to the upcoming MAAC Tournament. The Jaspers have not officially clinched a postseason berth, contrary to an article posted on gojaspers.com earlier today.
Andy Hebden gave Detroit its first lead of the game, 5-4, with 3:18 to play in the third quarter. The goal caped off a 3-0 Titans run. Hurst struck :41 later to knot the game at five. The score would remain tied at five until Hurst snapped one past Detroit goalkeeper Jason Weber with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter to give the Jaspers a 6-5 lead. Strong defense from Manhattan down the stretch and a huge foot save from senior starting goalkeeper Rich Akapnitis in the final minute of play sealed the Jaspers win. Akapnitis finished the day with 10 saves.
Hurst and senior Pat Hodapp led the Jaspers with two goals each. Senior Ryan Payton and junior Marcel Godino also tallied for Manhattan in the contest.
The Jaspers defense played one of its best game of the season, holding Detroit's main offensive weapons to relatively quiet afternoons. Shayne Adams came into the game as the leading scorer in the conference with 29 goals on the season, but scored just one goal on the day. Senior Sean McMahon led all players with six ground balls. He also caused two turnovers. Senior Dan McGreevy had five ground balls for the Jaspers and one caused turnover. Sophomore Alex Gitlitz also caused two turnovers.
For Detroit, five different players scored the five goals. Scott Drummond, Brandon Beauregard and Tom Masterson had two points (1G, 1A) each. Alex Maini recorded two assists.
Manhattan held a 37-24 edge in shots and 29-23 advantage in ground balls in the game.
"It was a total team effort today," said Jaspers head coach Steve Manitta. "The goal was moving ahead as a program and getting this team into the MAAC Tournament, and we're in a good position to do that now."
The Jaspers return to action on Saturday, April 26, when they take on the Siena Sients on Senior Night. The opening draw is scheduled for 7 p.m.
