West Orange, NJ — Manhattan had the game in its grips before the referees thought otherwise. Ziv Dahan's tap in early in the second half was waved offside and the video review ultimately didn't do enough to change the referees' minds. Til Kauschke's goal in the 67th minute proved to be the difference in the game as the No.25-ranked Pirates successfully defended home field on Sunday.
Although Seton Hall controlled most of the possession early, Manhattan almost had a dream start when Sebastiano Musu found himself with space just inside the 18, but pushed the shot right. Just as Musu's advancement showed, Manhattan was not content just sitting back and yielding to Seton Hall's desires.
The Pirates flashed brilliance in the 8th minute when Tim Strobeck located Thomas Sellwood in the box, and his soft touch cleared Manhattan goalkeeper Ludvig Malberg and clipped the crossbar on its way out. Over the course of the first half, Malberg did a good job of playing balls from outside the box and each time making the right decision to avoid serious trouble.
Neither team did enough to create any serious chances in the later stages of the first half, but Manhattan did a much better job in terms of possession. Led by Henry Hamilton and Ayoub Boumelala in the midfield, the Jaspers effectively moved the ball around while silencing the Seton Hall faithful in attendance.
Seton Hall came out of halftime with better movement up top. The 49th minute featured a great buildup by the Pirates but Virgil Dall'Agnol's shot sailed well over the crossbar and out of harm's way for Manhattan.
After seeing his goal waved offside, Dahan tried his luck in the 59th but his off-balanced shot from the top of the box was no trouble for Seton Hall goalkeeper Matias Molina. Dahan checked out in the 62nd minute and did not return.
Seton Hall converted on their next big chance in the 67th minute when Kauschke trailed the attack and received a pass near the top of the Manhattan box before depositing the ball in the right corner of the goal.
Manhattan was outshot 8-6 by Seton Hall but the Pirates did not tread far from the center referee's mind, committing 19 fouls to Manhattan's 8.
Junior defender Nassim Akki did not play in the first half due to rest but did play the entire second half. Akki looked his normal self by routinely cutting out Seton Hall passes and using his dribbling skills to help start the Manhattan attack.
Jaspers Sports Network caught up with @JaspersSoccer head coach @JordenRScott following a hard-fought non-conference showdown at #25 Seton Hall: pic.twitter.com/ceA4ofzqfB
— Manhattan Jaspers (@GoJaspers) September 2, 2024
Next Time Out
Manhattan will have the week to get their bodies and minds right ahead of a Saturday night clash with LIU at Gaelic Park. Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m. and Manhattan will honor its senior class during a pregame ceremony.