MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The Manhattanville men's soccer team dropped their season opener against #24 Montclair State University on a heart-breaking final second goal.  The Red Hawks Kyle Goodwin scored the game's lone goal on a free kick with one second left in regulation on a shot that was deflected into far corner of the net. 

"It is unfortunate that the game had to come down to a moment like that in the final minute of the game," said head coach Gregg Miller, "we played all but five seconds exactly how I wanted us to play."

Manhattanville earned the first chance of the game early, when sophomore Robin Schaufele (Kalix, Sweden/Kungsfaegeln) directed a header on goal that was stopped by Montclair goalkeeper Mike Saalfrank. 

The Valiants were able to contain the Red Hawk's during the first half, allowing just seven shots.  Senior goalkeeper Willie Silber (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem East) was tested midway through the first half, but responded by stopping two shots from the Red Hawks off of a corner kick in the 26^th minute. 

The Red Hawks came out of the second half on the attack, registering four shots in the first 15 minutes but the Valiants held steady, keeping the game scoreless.  Manhattanville had another chance in the 69^th minute, when senior Eddie Silber (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem East) was able to get a header on frame off of a free kick but was once again turned away by Saalfrank.

Montclair State broke through for a barrage of attacks in the final ten minutes of regulation, registering five shots in six minutes, but Silber remained solid in goal, making two of his seven saves to keep the game scoreless.  The Valiant defense held strong until the final minute of the game, when Montclair State was awarded a free kick just outside the box with ten seconds to play in regulation.  Goodwin's shot was deflected and sent Silber in the wrong direction before bouncing into the far corner of the goal with one second left on the clock. 
"We were a match for one of the top teams in the country," said Miller.  "We matched them physically, we defended extremely well, we were well organized and well disciplined."

Miller is very optimistic for the season after an impressive performance in the season opener.  "If they can keep that level of performance up throughout the season, we should win more games than we lose."

The Valiants travel to New York University to take on the Violets on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 P.M..