Box Score Box Score | Jorden Scott InterviewRIVERDALE, N.Y. - Despite a heroic eight-save performance from freshman
R.J. Noll (Yelm, Wash. / Yelm) in his collegiate debut, Manhattan dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker to Temple by a 1-0 count in the season opener for both teams at Gaelic Park.
After both teams failed to break the deadlock, Jorge Gomez Sanchez (Talavera De La Reina, Spain / European University of Madrid) blasted one in from the left side following a perfect cross from Jared Martinelli (Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Cumberland Valley) in the 107th minute.
Despite the loss, the Jaspers played inspired soccer and nearly won it in the 96th minute as Owls' goalkeeper Alex Cagle (Brookfield, Wis. / Brookfield East) made an outstanding save on an
Ajani Phillips' (South River, N.J. / Saint Peter's Prep) breakaway run. Cagle sprinted 40 yards upfield before booting Phillips' shot away.
Manhattan, which played the final 45-plus minutes of the match a man down, played Temple even for most of that time despite being outshot 22-7 for the contest, including 12-3 after halftime.
Both of Phillips' shots were on goal to lead the way on offense for the Jaspers.
Gomez Sanchez was the aggressor for the Owls, notching the lone goal while recording 11 shots, including four on goal. Cagle made three saves in the win.
The Jaspers will have little time to rest as they travel to Lehigh on Wednesday, September 2, with the opening kick slated for 7 p.m.
