Box Score PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Manhattanville men's soccer team suffered their first loss of the season Saturday, falling in their home opener by a final score of 3-2 (2OT). An especially tough loss, just 50 seconds after Manhattanville had their would-be game winning goal cleared from the goal line by the Red Men, Carthage immediately drove down field, were awarded a penalty kick, and Ryan Crane capitalized on the opportunity at the 113:27, handing the Valiants their first loss in a home opener since 2010. 

The first half was played at a feverish pitch.  Both teams battled continuously, as there was no shortage of action despite only four shots being recorded on goal in the first half. Carthage registered the first three shots on goal, two of which being headers, but junior goalkeeper Steve Singson (Deer Park, N.Y./St. Anthony's) continued his impressive start to the season by stopping all three first half shots and finishing the game with six saves. With just over a minute to play in the first half, junior Michael Alcaraz (Burbank, Calif./Burbank) found sophomore Dan Lorandini (Garden City Park, N.Y./New Hyde Park Memorial) on a beautiful through-ball which Lorandini calmly placed into the far left side of the net, giving the Valiants a 1-0 lead to take into halftime.
 
After the 15 minute intermission, it was hard to recognize the two teams on the field.  The Red Men came out firing on all cylinders and really opened up the pitch by sending players on longer runs, as opposed to the short-passing technique they executed in the first half. This aggressive style was rewarding for Carthage as it created an opportunity from a set piece which was converted by Nicholas Vogel, off the cross from freshman forward Johnny Rimkus.

The teams continued to battle with both sides creating chances. It was in the 69' that the Valiants took a 2-1 lead.  Creating the play was Lorandini who sent a sweeping cross to the back post, getting a head on it, sophomore Jamie Macchia (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) put the ball on cage forcing Carthage goalkeeper Jovani Mata to make a diving save which was redirected and then finally put into goal by junior midfielder Eddie Silber (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem East), the first goal of his Valiants career.

Just as it seemed the Valiants would escape with a 2-1 lead, Carthage converted on a corner kick in the 89' when midfielder Austin Bitta crossed a ball through the box that senior forward, and leading scorer, Michael Dombrowski placed into the right side of the net, putting a halt to the celebration at Manhattanville.  It was downhill from there, unfortunately.

Extra time was needed to determine the better of the two opponents. Both teams had an opportunity to end it in the first half of extra time, but solid defense and goalkeeping kept the score level.  Tensions continued to build as both teams battled for the victory.  
 
The second period of extra time proved to be eventful...as an understatement.  Sophomore Jordan Daniel (Westhampton, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) was inches away from winning the game for the Valiants until his attempt was cleared on the goalline by Austin Bitta, who played the role of spoiler for the Red Men.  Immediately off Bitta's clearing attempt, the Red Men drove down the length of the field and after Singson misplayed a ball on the edge of the box, a penalty was necessary to keep Dombrowski from ending the game right there.  After being taken down in the box, Crane lined up for the penalty kick and drilled it right down the middle.
 
The loss is eerily similar to the 3-2 (2OT) loss to Vassar this time last year, as the Brewers tied that game in the 89' and then went on to win in 2OT. This is ironic as the Valiants will play Vassar on Wednesday. There will be plenty to play for.