Newark, NJ - Freshman Kyle Gucwa scored with just over a minute to play, to provide the game-winning score in Manhattan's improbable 8-7 win over NJIT.
Trailing 5-2 late in the third period, Gucwa scored twice in 90 seconds to trim the Highlander lead to 5-4 with two seconds to play in the third, before assisting on Trevor Pelletier's (Sr., Miami, FL / Gulliver Prep) game-tying goal with 11:03 to play in regulation. Gucwa then gave the Jaspers their first advantage of the afternoon with 9:44 remaining while capping a four-goal spurt.
The Highlanders would answer with back-to-back scores, but never-say-die Manhattan refused to go down without a fight. Senior Luke Hanson (MIddletown, NY / Minisink Valley) delivered the equalizer off a Liam Walshe (So., Commack, NY / Commack) pass to again equal the score (7-7) with 3:32 to play.
NJIT won the ensuing faceoff, but was denied a scoring opportunity as senior Luke Pacher (Williston Park, NY / Chaminade) forced a turnover with just over two minutes remaining.
Hanson then found Gucwa for his fifth goal of the game, including fourth after halftime, while giving the visitors an 8-7 lead with 1:10 to play.
The Highlanders would have two opportunities to tie the game, only to be denied by junior Brendan Krebs (East Williston, NY / Chaminade) on each occasion while capping an impressive 14-save performance.Here's Gucwa's game-winning goal from Hanson!#JasperNation
— Manhattan Lacrosse (@ManhattanMLAX) March 7, 2020
??: @Jasper_AT_Room pic.twitter.com/Jx9MhKho1I
Gucwa had a hand in six of Manhattan's eight goals, while Hanson notched a goal and two assists. Defensively, senior Rob Johnson (Bayport, NY / Mount St. Mary's) was outstanding in collecting eight ground balls.
Colton Johnson and Eric Sherman each had two goals and an assist to pace NJIT.
The Jaspers improved to 3-3 with the victory, while the Highlanders fall to 1-6.
Manhattan will open MAAC play at Canisius on Saturday, March 14 with opening faceoff slated for 12:00 pm.