Men's Soccer Takes Weather-Shortened 2-1 Victory Over Manhattan
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (August 20, 2012) - The Mavericks traveled to Manhattan College on Friday night to play a preseason scrimmage just a few days into camp. Weather was an issue from the start and the game kicked off 15 minutes early to stay ahead of the impending storm.
The Jaspers entered the matchup off a MAAC finals appearance, losing a tight game in which the eventual champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Mercy jumped out in front in just the 10th minute and doubled the lead in the 16th. The game was suspended in the 36th minute due to lightning but resumed one hour later and the teams headed into the half with Mercy still leading 2-0.
"I liked our shape early in the match and I liked our ability to create chances in the final third," Head Coach Chris Smith said.
Manhattan created some dangerous chances off defensive miscues as the second half got underway, finally scoring on a long free kick which snuck straight through the wall.
"We tried to cover as much as possible in the few days we had before the match but unfortunately we didn't spend a lot of time on defensive re-starts and that is something that will be addressed," Smith said.
Play was suspended again after the 53rd minute and finally called, with the Mavericks taking the match 2-1. The teams ended up even in shots with seven apiece, with Manhattan committing four more fouls but earning an extra corner.
"It was a good performance by the group and I am happy that we played well but we need to play quicker, get fitter and be more consistent over longer periods of time," Smith said.
Smith and the Mavericks will kick off the regular season against Bloomsburg University at the Nyack Tournament on Thursday, August 30 at 1:30 p.m.
