Riverdale, NY — Manhattan pressured Columbia early resulting in a first-minute ambush off the foot of Sebastiano Musu from 20 yards out, which proved to be the difference in a 1-0 result for the Jaspers. Musu's strike was the final link in a beautiful buildup that had four quick passes and a nice drop off pass from Ziv Dahan to Musu.
With the return of Nassim Akki to the back line, Manhattan faced minimal offensive threats from the Lions and used their defensive posture after Musu's goal 54 seconds in to extend their winning streak to 2 games. The possession battle was split 50-50 but didn't do justice to the way the Jaspers' physicality disrupted Columbia. Additionally, the Lions played with 10 men after Columbia's Jackson ten Oever was sent off with a red card in the 59th minute. The Jaspers' extended Columbia's streak to 3 games without scoring a goal to open their 2024 campaign.
Ludvig Målberg faced 8 shots from Columbia on his way to recording his first ever clean sheet for Manhattan. Similar to his last performance in the 2-1 win over LIU, Målberg was effective at controlling high balls in the box. Overall, the Marquette transfer now has 5 shutouts in his collegiate career.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
-Entering Wednesday night's match, Manhattan had never beaten Columbia in the series history. The Jaspers were winless in 12 games with 3 draws, including most recently in 2022 when both teams tied 1-1 at Gaelic Park.
-After going scoreless in the opening 3 games of the season, Sebastiano Musu has goals in back to back games. He has wasted little time getting on the score sheet, scoring in the 11th minute versus LIU before depositing his shot 55 seconds into today's match with Columbia.
-Ziv Dahan assisted on Musu's goal on Wednesday night. Since returning to the line-up at St. John's on 8/29, Dahan has contributed to 3 of Manhattan's 4 goals, scoring 2 goals and notching 1 assist. Dahan was almost the hero at Seton Hall but his goal early in the second half was called for offsides which was later upheld upon a VAR review.
-Nassim Akki returned back to the line-up on Wednesday night after sitting out Saturday's game versus LIU. Manhattan has conceded only 3 of their 7 goals this season when the 2022 MAAC Defender of the Year is playing.
-Each of Manhattan's first 5 games in 2024 have been decided by 1 goal. The Jaspers are 2-3 overall.
Next Time Out
Manhattan will draw #18 Fordham (3-1-1) on Monday night at Rose Hill in the annual Battle of the Bronx. Kick off for that game is slated for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Rams are 1 of 3 ranked teams Manhattan will meet in the non-conference. The other 2 are #13 Seton Hall (1-0 loss) and #15 Penn (9/21).
