Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - In a cross-town rumble of Division I programs, Fordham University defeated Manhattan College 1-0 Saturday night at Jack Coffey Field.
Following a two-week layoff, the Jaspers (0-6-0, 0-0-0) came out fit and ready to compete but fell victim to an early first half deficit and were unable to match the Rams' (5-4-0, 0-0-0) lone tally on the scoreboard. It was the second consecutive year Manhattan fell to the Atlantic-10 Conference member by one goal.
"The boys were terrific tonight," first-year coach Ashley Hammond said. "We were very happy with their effort and fitness level. It's almost unlucky really to not come out with a better result."
While on paper the matchup represented the last non-conference game played before next week's league openers, the physical 90-minute battle showed it meant quite a bit more to both programs.
A game consisting of slide tackles and open field challenges came down to two minutes of play, in which Fordham converted their best opportunity in the box and the Jaspers did not.
Awarded a free kick off a foul in the 13th minute, Ram's midfielder John Niyonsaba sent a bender into the box that was redirected by forward Marcus Axelsson's and just passed the arm of Manhattan goaltender Christopher Lands for the 1-0 lead and eventual final score. It was Axelsson's first goal of the season.
In the next minute off a strong run from the Green and White, freshman Stefano Carlacci hit a ball towards Fordham's back post that was nearly put in by senior forward Sean Russell but sailed just wide. In effect, the missed chance sealed the fate of the offensively snakebitten Jaspers.
Although offensive stars were hard to come by, Lands' play in net truly shined. The New Jersey native made six saves, including two from point blank range to keep his team in the battle.
On the other side, Ram's keeper Ryan Meara posted a shutout and one save off a shot from Manhattan freshman Jake Donowick.
Manhattan College will begin Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play next Friday, Oct. 8th when they travel to Baltimore, Md. to take on Loyola University. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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