Zeke Jazwinski, Sports Editor
Men’s Soccer
The Manhattan Jaspers men’s soccer team was back in action at Gaelic Park last Sunday afternoon as they took on Howard University. The Jaspers came into the match looking to build off their home victory over Maritime after losing their first two games of the season – and they did just that, with a commanding 4-2 victory over the Bison.
The Jaspers got on the board just four minutes into the match when graduate forward Cristiano Marsilii stole the ball from a Howard midfielder and beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one to give Manhattan the early lead. Just three minutes later, Marsilii helped create another goal, with junior defender Max Asplin-Rowley playing a free kick into the box before the ball found sophomore Nicolo Donadio, who added to the Jaspers’ advantage.
VINCENT DUSOVIC COURTESY
Howard found their way to score, but Manhattan quickly responded after a handball in the box resulted in a penalty kick. All eyes were on Marsilii as he converted for his second goal of the afternoon. After the Bison cut the deficit to one in the second half, the Jaspers answered once again, with graduate defender and captain Andrea Campoli scoring the final goal of the match on a header, off a set piece from forward and midfielder Tycho van Haaren.
Marsilii finished with two goals and an assist, while the Jaspers outshot Howard 19-6 and held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks. The victory also marked head coach Tom Giovatto’s 150th Division I men’s soccer victory.
The Jaspers improve to 2-2-0 on the season and will look to continue their strong start when they return to action.
Women’s Soccer
The Manhattan Jaspers women’s soccer team opened Metro Conference play last week on Saturday afternoon, as they took on Siena at Hickey Field in Loudonville, N.Y. The Saints came away with a 1-0 victory, dropping the Jaspers to 3-2-0 on the season.
It was a quiet start to the match, with senior forward Lauren Ahearn recording Manhattan’s first shot on goal in the opening 10 minutes, forcing a save from Siena goalkeeper Cate Burns. Five minutes later, senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk made her first save of the afternoon, but the Saints would score shortly after on a rebound from Anna Swyers to take a 1-0 lead.
Brunk continued to keep the Jaspers within one, making another save in the 28th minute. Neither team was able to find the back of the net before halftime, sending Siena into the break with the lead.
The second half remained a defensive battle, with both teams continuing to search for opportunities. Manhattan brought increased pressure late in the match, including a shot from freshman forward Baileigh Johnson in the 79th minute that forced another save from Burns. Despite pushing until the final whistle, the Jaspers were unable to find the equalizer and fell 1-0.
Manhattan outshot Siena 10-9, while shots on goal were tied 4-4. Brunk finished with three saves in the afternoon.
The Jaspers will look to bounce back in their next match against Niagara as they continue Metro Conference play on Sept. 19.