Men's Soccer Posts 2-0 Triumph Over Manhattan

(box score)

9/06/05--Long Island University opened its home campaign this evening, posting a 2-0 victory over Manhattan College in men’s soccer action at LIU Field. LIU pulls to 1-1 on the season while the Jaspers fall to 0-3.

The Blackbirds broke on top in the 25th minute when lone senior Mustapha Ayoub (Toronto, Canada) raced past his defender on the left side. He drilled a 15-yarder by Manhattan keeper Danshiell Parsons and into the right corner. Freshman Josh Merchant (New Orleans, La.) assisted on the play.

LIU added an insurance goal in the 41st minute when freshman Ryan Vignona (Manorville, N.Y.) found himself in the right place at the right time. After classmate Michael Marten delivered a pass downfield, freshman Jukka Lehto (Lahti, Finland) found himself one-on-one with Parsons on the right side. His attempt was blocked by the goalie and sent leftward to the foot of Vignona who tapped the ball into the goal.

The Blackbirds outshot the Jaspers, 11-3. Parsons made five saves for Manhattan, while Blackbird keeper Alex Fatovic (Falls Church, Va.) came up with two.

The Blackbirds return to action this weekend traveling to Michigan. They face Michigan State on Friday, September 9 and Michigan on Sunday, September 11.