LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – A late goal by Sonimi Halliday in the 82nd minute gave Rider a 1-0 victory over Manhattan on Saturday afternoon in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play. The loss snapped a three match unbeaten streak for the Jaspers (2-8-1, 2-1-1 MAAC) and was their first defeat in conference.
During the first half, Manhattan attempted to control possession and succeeded early on. Eli Bunton fired two shots within three minutes of each other, both missing their target, as part of the first real scoring chance for either team. After his second shot was blocked, Daniel Laguna Kennedy blasted one that was saved by David Pastuna to keep the match scoreless.
The Broncs (7-5-1, 2-2-1) quickly retaliated, testing the Jasper defense. Christian Flath put the first attempt on goal in the 18th minute but Alex Coates McDowall was up to the challenge. Both Flath and Rob Nardiello had shots blocked by the Manhattan backline in the 29th minute before Aaron Freeman has his attempt saved by Coates McDowall.
Probably the best chance either squad had in the first came in the 37th minute when Laguna Kennedy's shot hit the post. He had two more shots before the break with one getting blocked in front and another saved in the 43rd.
Out of the break, it was Laguna Kennedy again providing some excitement having one of his eight total shots get saved in the 55th minute. Coates McDowall continued his impressive play in goal for the Jaspers, stopping another shot from Flath in the 58th. Warren Holmes looked to put Rider on top in the 80th minute but again the freshman keeper deflected it away.
Just under three minutes later, Coates McDowall deflected a shot from Adrien Huss out of bounds, giving the Broncs a corner kick. Flath sent a ball spiraling towards the penalty area where Halliday was able to get his head on it and re-direct the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead in the 82nd minute.
Manhattan was unable to find an equalizer in the final eight minutes, mustering just one more shot. Rider barely outshot the Jaspers as a team, 11-10, and earned six corners to Manhattan's five. Coates McDowall (2-8-1) made five saves in the loss while Pastuna (5-4-1) stopped three shots to earn the win.
The Jaspers are back in action this coming Wednesday, Oct. 23, as they return home for the first time in two weeks. Manhattan will host new MAAC rival Quinnipiac at 7 p.m. at Gaelic Park.