Riverdale, NY (October 22, 2004)- Manhattan freshman Javier Escobedo tallied two goals and assisted on the game-winner, as the Jaspers defeated Niagara, 3-1, today in a MAAC contest played at Gaelic Park. Manhattan improves to 3-9-0, 1-3-0 in MAAC play, while the Purple Eagles fall to 3-10-2, 1-3-1 in MAAC play.
Manhattan carried play for most of the first half, playing long balls to the forward line and forcing Niagara goalkeeper Eric Sullivan to make three saves. However, the Purple Eagles almost broke the ice late in the half as Simon Adair's shot across the goal mouth went just wide. Niagara out-shot Manhattan by a 7-5 count in the opening half as the two teams went into the break tied, 0-0.
Niagara converted on a Jasper defensive miscue early in the second half, as Joe Conjerti fed Matt Stedman on a perfect give and go, with Stedman beating Manhattan goalkeeper Collin Leaver to the near post at the 47:26 mark.
The Jaspers would answer right back, knotting the score at 1-1 approximately a minute later, as Escobedo scored his first goal of the day on a header to the near post off a restart, with the assist going to Adam Kiley. Justin Schultz would score his second game-winning goal of the season at the 66:59 mark putting the ball to the near post. Escobedo and Taylor Ives assisted on the play, as Escobedo played the ball wide to Ives, who crossed the ball to Schultz's feet.
Escobedo would provide an insurance goal at the 75:01 mark, putting back the rebound of a Tom Maguire shot to seal the win.
Manhattan held a 13-9 edge in shots for the game, though Niagara held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Leaver stopped two shots on the day for the Jaspers, while Sullivan made four saves for Niagara.
The Jaspers will return to action on Sunday, October 24, when they host MAAC foe Canisius at 10:00 a.m. at Gaelic Park.