Newark, N.J.-The Manhattan College men's soccer team jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead against New Jersey Institute of Technology Wednesday night, but couldn't maintain the momentum in a 4-1 loss to the Highlanders at Lubetkin Field in Newark.
Manhattan (1-2) scored first off of a 25-yard swerving direct free kick by senior Fernando Segares at the 5:09 mark.
But then the tide turned for NJIT (now 1-3), who got a pair of first-half goals from Rahim Stennett to tie and then take the lead, before adding two more tallies in the closing 14 minutes.
The scored stayed at 2-1 past the first 30 minutes of the second half, even through a stretch of rough physical play that led to fouls and injury stoppages on both sides of the ball. Then, NJIT added a pair of goals in the final 14 minutes, both assisted by senior Gustav Warfving. The first, in the 77th minute, featured a finish by Chico Lugo, who redirected Warfving's cross from the left side. The final tally, at 86:46, saw Warfving score, set up Erik Magnusson.
Manhattan goalkeeper Joseph Lorenz was credited with three saves. The overall shots favored NJIT, 16-11, and the shots on goal were 7-5 NJIT. The Highlanders also had a 4-1 lead in corner kicks and the fouls were 18 for Manhattan and 12 for NJIT.
Manhattan now heads to Pittsburgh to take part in the Duquesne Tournament where they will play against the host and to the University of Richmond Friday and Saturday.