Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Niagara men’s soccer team dropped a tight, physical match to Manhattan 1-0 on Sunday.

“Manhattan did what they needed to do,” head coach Chase Brooks said.  “They played a physical game, they moved the ball forward, they got it into dangerous areas, and that is how they scored their goal.”

Manhattan (2-12-0, 2-3-0) jumped out to a quick lead, scoring in the seventh minute, as Deia Nassar was able to get separation from the Purple Eagles defense and converted a one-on-one against goalkeeper Mike Moran, who was making his first start of the season.

The Purple Eagles (7-4-3, 2-3-2) came out sharper in the second half.  They would outshoot the Jaspers 18-8 (and 27-16 overall) while generating several scoring chances.  Late in the game Niagara sent two headers from inside the box just high of the goal and hit the post with less than two minutes remaining in the match. 

“We hit the post real late, we had a couple great opportunities late but, again, that is the problem,” said Brooks.  “Against every team in the country, it doesn’t matter if they’re the best team or the worst team, if you don’t come out from the beginning ready to play, you’re going to find yourself in a hole.”

Manhattan came to Niagara ready to play a physical game and the Purple Eagles did not back down.  Twenty two total fouls were given out and three cards were rewarded in the chippy contest.

“The guys battled, they did what they needed to do,” Brooks said.  “The ref let a lot of things go and let Manhattan dictate play that way.   The guys responded pretty well for the most part.  Our guys are fortunate; they can play against the physical teams and against the non-physical teams.

Liam Gilbert led the Purple Eagles with seven shots, including the shot that hit the post late, Moran made five saves, and Justin Wainwright made his first appearance of the year.

“It’s about converting your chances and today were weren’t clinical enough in front of goal,” said Brooks.  “We had enough opportunities and we couldn’t find that one goal to put things away.”

Before the match, there was a Senior Day ceremony honoring the five seniors on the roster (Moran, Mike Pass, Carl Haworth, Gilbert, and Wainwright) who are graduating at the end of the academic year.

Niagara is back in action next weekend when it travels to Rider on Friday and then Loyola (Md.) on Sunday.   

(Watch an interview with head coach Chase Brooks who breaks down the game against Manhattan)