Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Jaspers controlled tempo through much of the game but were unable to take advantage of their opportunites as they fell 1-0 to Bryant on Sunday morning. A team depleted by injuries and suspensions saw numerous freshman get lots of playing time and kept the contest close.
Manhattan's best shot at scoring came early in the second half when Daniel Festa ripped a shot from just outside the 18 meter box that was stopped by Bryant goalkeeper George Spanos. The save went off of Spanos' hands but there was no one to corral the rebound and the Bulldogs were able to clear.
In the 61st minute, Bunmi Familoni sent a ball from 20 yards out on the right side of goal towards the net. Sophomore keeper Christopher Lands attempted to make a save but it deflected of the near post and in for Familoni's first goal of the season.
The Jaspers (0-7-0) had an opportunity to tie the contest late off a corner kick but Jake Scavetta was out jumped by the keeper to maintain the Bryant advantage. From there on, the Bulldogs defense was able to thwart any potential scoring plays from Manhattan.
Lands, who was relieved midway through the second half due to injury, played 72 minutes giving up the one goal while making 4 saves. George Ellis, who replaced Lands, finished the match playing 18 minutes without facing a shot.
Manhattan had multiple scoring chances as well but the Bulldogs George Spanos was equal to the task saving 4 shots. The Jaspers took a total of 13 shots with Bryant taking 15 while the two teams combined for 12 corner kicks (Bryant-7; Manhattan-5).
A battle of winless teams, both played with an added bit of intensity that included multiple fouls and a yellow card issued to Bryant's Eddie Curry after a physical exchange with Eugene Heerschapp in the 70th minute.
Manhattan continues their home stretch on Fri., Sept. 30 when they host cross-town rival Fordham at 7 p.m. at Gaelic Park. The Jaspers women's soccer team will host Canisius earlier in the day beginning at 4 p.m. also at Gaelic.
To follow Manhattan Athletics on Twitter, go to twitter.com/GoJaspers or visit Manhattan's Facebook fan page.
