Box Score
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Manhattan netted the game's first two tallies, but nine consecutive goals by Rutgers over a 17:24 span gave the Scarlet Knights a lead they would not relinquish en route to a 13-5 win over the Jaspers in each team's season opener on Saturday afternoon.
The story of the game came at the faceoff X. Manhattan had a difficult time getting possession off the draw as Rutgers junior Joseph Nardella won 18-20 (90%) faceoffs in the contest. He also collected a career-high 17 ground balls on the afternoon. Jaspers starting goalkeeper Rich Akapnitis was tested heavily in the game and played very well. Despite allowing 13 goals, the senior made 15 saves on the day.
With 2:09 remaining in the first quarter and the Jaspers leading 2-0 courtesy of two Ryan Payton scores, Rutgers started its lengthy run. Redshirt senior Scott Klimchak notched his first of five first half goals to make it 2-1 Manhattan. Anthony Terranova scored for the Scarlet Knights just under two minutes later to tie the game at two before Klimchak struck again with three seconds to play in the quarter to give Rutgers a 3-2 lead.
Rutgers continued its run in the second quarter with a goal :46 in to take a 4-2 lead. The Scarlet Knights would add four more goals before halftime to take an 8-2 lead at the break.
The final goal of Rutgers' run came :15 into the third quarter; the goal made it 9-2 Scarlet Knights. Manhattan answered back by scoring three of the game's next four goals. Tyler Eidel, Levi Radbourne and Marcel Godino each found the back of the cage to give Manhattan some life and make the score 10-5 after three quarters.
Rutgers pulled away in the final stanza by scoring the only three goals of the fourth quarter.
Manhattan senior midfielder and co-captain Sean McMahon picked up a team-high seven ground balls and was a pivotal part of many of the Jaspers 16 successful clears on the afternoon.
The Jaspers return to action on Saturday, Feb. 15, when they travel to Chapel Hill, N.C. to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels entered the season ranked the number two team in the nation. The game is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
For the full 2014 Manhattan men's lacrosse schedule, click here.
