Box Score (PDF)
Annapolis, MD - Manhattan dropped a hard-fought 9-4 decision to Navy in the season opener both teams on a blustery evening at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
After the Midshipmen opened the scoring with back-to-back goals, freshman
Christian Lyons (Syosset, NY / Syosset) netted the first Jasper score of the year at the 8:40 mark of the first quarter.
Navy then registered the next four goals in jumping in front by a 6-1 count late in the second quarter.
From that point, the visitors would play their hosts even the rest of the way. Junior
Jake Nicolosi (West Islip, NY / West Islip) answered the Midshipmen run with a half-ending score, before senior
Brandon Grinnell (Wakefield, MA / Wakefield Memorial) opened the third with a goal to bring the Jaspers to within three at 6-3.
Navy responded with two-straight scores, before sophomore
Liam Walshe (Commack, NY / Commack) found the back of the net off a
Rob Johnson (Sr., Bayport, NY / Mount St. Mary's) feed to cap the scoring for Manhattan.
Walshe finished up with a goal and an assist, while Johnson grabbed a game-high five ground balls to a pace defense that forced 21 turnovers.
Junior
Brendan Krebs (East Williston, NY / Chaminade) made nine saves in a losing effort.
Nick Cole, Christian Daniel and Henry Rentz each scored two goals to lead the way for Navy.
Manhattan will return home to host VMI on Saturday, February 15 at 12:00 pm.
