Sophomore Matt Stedman scored his fifth goal of the season in a loss at Manhattan Friday.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Freshman Javier Escobedo scored a pair of goals to help Manhattan College (3-9-0, 1-3-0) beat Niagara University (3-10-2, 1-3-1) in men’s soccer Friday at Gaelic Field in Riverdale, N.Y.

The Purple Eagles struck first in the game when sophomore Matt Stedman (Lockport, N.Y./Lockport) scored his fifth goal of the season in the 47th minute of the second half. Classmate Joe Conjerti (Lockport, N.Y./Lockport) picked up his first assist of the season when he fed Stedman on a give-and-go and he beat Manhattan goalkeeper Collin Leaver to the near post.

The Jaspers tied the game a minute later when Escobedo scored on a header to the near post on a free kick. Manhattan took the lead when Justin Schultz put the ball past Niagara keeper Eric Sullivan in the 66th minute. The Jaspers sealed the win when Escobedo banged a rebound by Sullivan in the 75th minute.

Sullivan made four saves for the Purple Eagles and Leaver two. Manhattan had a 13-9 edge in shots, but Niagara held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The Purple Eagles return action Sunday when they play at Saint Peter’s at 1 p.m.