Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. – George Ellis made six saves and faced 21 total shots but his effort was not enough to stop the Fordham Rams offense who defeated Manhattan 2-0 on Friday night at Gaelic Park. It was the 24th meeting between the cross-town rivals, with Fordham leading the all-time series 16-7-1.
In the beginning of the first half, the Jaspers (0-8-0) seemed like they were taking control of the contest with multiple scoring chances but were unable to muster anything. Through the first 20 minutes of the match, the game was played primarily in the Manhattan attacking end with both Eugene Heerschapp and Trevor Chiduku making attempts on net.
The Rams would turn the tide midway through the first half as they sent multiple volleys into their own offensive third forcing the Manhattan defense to make multiple deflections. In the 28th minute, John Niyonsaba stole the ball from defender CJ Dragovich and ripped a shot to the lower left corner past Ellis, giving Fordham a 1-0 lead.
Manhattan was able to keep the Rams at bay for the remainder of the half and went in to the break down one. In the second half, there were more opportunities for the Jaspers but they were consistently playing out of their own defensive half. Deia Nassar had a quality chance from inside the box off a free kick but was denied by Ryan Meara.
As time wound down in the second half, Jack Bouchard lofted a ball towards the top of the box where Tim Richardson headed the ball to the lower right corner. Fordham keeper Ryan Meara maybe five saves in the shutout victory while his defense kept the Jaspers to just 10 shots.
The game reached a boiling point in the second half has five total yellow cards were issued including four in a span of 3:26. Nassar, Christopher Holihan and Carlo Giachino all were carded for the Jaspers while Fordham's Julian Nagel as well as Niyonsaba were also booked.
Manhattan will next be in action on Sunday Oct. 2, when they open MAAC play with Saint Peter's at 7 p.m. at Gaelic Park. The Women's team will also be in action at 10 a.m. Sunday when they host Niagara.
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