New Rochelle, NY – Manhattan prepares for a rivalry matchup against Iona, as the Jaspers make the short trek for a 3:00 pm kickoff against the Gaels.
Last Time Out: Manhattan used a shutout from freshman
Hunter Kochiss in his first career start to defeat Quinnipiac.
Fantastic Freshman: Freshman
Hunter Kochiss was named MAAC Co-Rookie of the Week following his outstanding performance in Manhattan's thrilling 1-0 win over Quinnipiac. Kochiss, who shares this week's honor with Omar Seghiri from Saint Peter's, made his first career start against 2018 MAAC finalist Quinnipiac, and the Connecticut native rose to the challenge in recording his first career shutout. He made three saves, including a crucial stop on reigning MAAC Offensive Player of the Year Eamon Whelan with less than four minutes remaining, to cement the victory.
Testing Yourself: Manhattan's six non-conference opponents are a combined 33-22-6 on the season. Three opponents (UConn, Rutgers, St. John's) have spent time ranked in the Top 25 by the United Soccer Coaches' Poll, with St. John's currently 10th. Lehigh is also ranked in the Top 10 in the United Soccer Coaches regional polls, while this week's opponent Iona is ranked eighth in the East regional poll.
Awana Has Class: Senior
Adrien Awana was selected as one of 30 candidates for 2019 Men's Soccer Senior CLASS® Award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for
Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School ® the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. A 2018 All-MAAC first team selection, he will graduate this year with a degree in management and finished his first year in Riverdale with a 3.67 GPA, including a 3.87 mark in the spring semester. For the full release click
HERE
Notes on the win over Quinnipiac:
- The victory snapped a seven-game winless streak for the Jaspers against Quinnipiac and is the first win against the Bobcats since 2006.
- Each of the last four decisions between the teams have been decided by one goal.
- All three of Manhattan's victories have also come by one goal.
- Junior Moritz Riegel delivered his first collegiate assist on the play.
- Quinnipiac had what appeared to be a game-winning goal nullified due to an offside call in the 82nd minute.
- Manhattan is one two teams (Niagara) to start MAAC play with two wins.
Series History: Dating back to 1993, Iona leads the series 17-10-2. However, Manhattan has won two of the last three meetings. Last season, Iona captured an overtime victory in Riverdale on a 96th minute Josh Plimpton goal.
Scouting the Opponent:
- Iona went 10-6-2 last season, reaching the MAAC semifinals.
- The Gaels was selected sixth in the MAAC preseason poll.
- Iona is ranked eighth in the East Region United Soccer Coaches' poll, following a 6-2 start.
- The Gaels are 1-0 in MAAC play, following a 2-0 win at Siena last Wednesday.
- Lenworth Lopez leads Gaels with five goals and two assists, and Mauro Bravo has complied four goals and three assists.
- Giuliano Santucci has started six of the eight matches in net for Iona averaging a 1.33 GAA and has made 27 saves on the season.
Up Next: Manhattan has Saturday off from MAAC play, before returning to action at Rider next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
