2014 Jaspers Men's Lacrosse Schedule
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - As Jaspers head coach Steve Manitta gears up for his second season at the helm of the men's lacrosse program, Manhattan looks to pick up the 2014 season right where it left off in 2013...with a win. The Jaspers played very well down the stretch in 2013. Despite dropping some very closely contested games with conference opponents Canisius and VMI, Manhattan took down the 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) regular season champions, the Marist Red Foxes, in the final game of the regular season.
The Jaspers bring back their entire coaching staff from last season. Defensive coordinators Matt Nealis and John Lade team up to ensure the back line stays strong in front of starting senior goalkeeper Rich Akapnitis. Spencer Wright and Sal Marinello are also back for their second seasons on Manhattan sidelines as they bring a wealth of knowledge to Riverdale from both tactical and conditioning standpoints.
"We want the Manhattan College lacrosse program to be relevant in the U.S.," said Manitta. "We understand what needs to be done and we are committed to putting in the work," Manitta said. The Jaspers will play two of the preseason top ten ranked teams in the country in North Carolina and Princeton within their first four games of the spring. "It starts with scheduling and we want to see the best out there and see those teams week in and week out," said Manitta.
Manhattan returns four of its top five leading scorers from a year ago and also welcomes a host of newcomers to the mix, including 11 freshmen.
Attack
Perhaps the most experienced player the Jaspers bring back on attack is senior Pat Hodapp. Hodapp finished the 2013 campaign with 20 goals, placing him second on the team in that statistic.
Stephen Farrell and Levi Radbourne are also expected to play considerable roles on the attacking unit. "This year, we hope to create a little more from behind the cage, which will make our returning midfielders even more dangerous," said Manitta.
"Greg Smith is another big inside presence that will keep defenses honest," Manitta said. Freshman Nick Stutler is yet another talented option that the coaching staff hopes to develop into a major offensive threat this season.
Midfield
The Manhattan midfield may be the deepest part of the team to start 2014. "We have a lot of points coming back, so we're excited about that," said Manitta. Marcel Godino, Tyler Eidel and Brett Madarasz will front the attack from the midfield position. "All of them (the midfielders) have adapted to the new system, all are seeing more of the field and they are not rushing their shots," said Manitta. Coach Manitta expects Godino's athleticism, Eidel's size and quickness and Madarasz's heady, consistent play to complement each other in the midfield.
Jimmy Rogers and highest returning scorer from 2013, Ryan Payton, are two players that will see their fair share of playing time in the attacking midfield role.
Nick Strano and Andrew Hurst were labeled by coach Manitta as, "very sound, very good two-way lacrosse players that should see time at both attack and midfield."
Four freshmen: Matt Garvey, Alex Abiog, Jeff Simmons and Gian Noto are newcomers that add an element of versatility to the team. They will most likely be called upon as two-way players in coach Manitta's system.
Taylor Skaggs, Mike DiPascali and Carter Sherman are expected to be a strong defensive presence as they man the rope unit for the Jaspers this spring.
Graduate student and former high school All-American under Manitta at Chatham High School in New Jersey, Brett Johnson, is expected to compete with sophomore Jack Fowler for the role of faceoff man.
Defense
Named to the Tewaaraton watch list in 2013, Sean McMahon returns for his senior campaign, receiving high praise from his coach. "He's the best long stick in the MAAC," said Manitta. "He does everything."
While McMahon will be called upon to anchor the back line, freshman Frank Merrill is expected to see a large role and supplement McMahon in certain situations. "He's really physical, athletic and mentally tough," said Manitta.
In close defense, Dan McGreevy, Max Kerber and Darien Bica should all see a vast amount of playing time. "We feel that we've found the right combination," said Manitta, regarding this trio.
"Dan Sweeney can come in as a more than viable option off the bench," said Manitta. William Gerard, Alex Gitlitz and freshman Connor Flannery are also expected to see playing time along the back line.
Goalkeeping
Rich Akapnitis will get the nod as starter for the spring 2014 season. "Rich is the guy; we feel confident that we have four good goalies, but he is our guy," said Manitta. "He puts in the extra work, the guys respect him and he was named captain for a reason."
Schedule
The Jaspers will face a challenging schedule this season including non-conference opponents North Carolina, Fairfield, Princeton and Stony Brook, all of whom received top 20 votes in preseason polls. Manhattan will open its season on the road on Saturday, Feb. 8, when the Jaspers travel to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights at 1 p.m.