PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College men's soccer team continued its impressive play, knocking off regionally ranked United States Merchant Marine Academy 1-0 Tuesday night.
The Mariners (7-3 overall) headed into the game ranked tenth in the East region in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, the second of three consecutive matchups against regionally ranked teams for the Valiants (5-3-1 overall).
Both teams battled back and forth in the first part of the first half, but the Valiants were able to jump out in front in the 30th minute. Freshman
Oskar Martinsson (Orust, Sweden/Uddevalla Gymnasieskola) had his shot blocked but it went directly to classmate
Hugo Landberg (Stockholm, Sweden/The Aquinas Institute of Rochester) in the box, and Landberg was able to one-time the ball past Mariner goalkeeper Cory Maier to give Manhattanville a 1-0 advantage.
Three-time MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the Week
Willie Silber (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem East) was once again outstanding in goal for the Valiants. The Holbrook native turned in his most impressive performance of the year, making nine saves, including a great diving stop right before the end of the first half to keep Merchant Marine scoreless. Silber continued his impressive play in the second half, making another great diving stop in the 50
th minute, and followed it up with diving saves in the 68th, and 82nd minute to preserve the victory.
Both teams played a very physical contest, but the Valiant defense was up for the challenge from the Mariner offense, which came into the contest outscoring their opponents 19-7 on the year. Manhattanville was able to hold off strong pressure from the Mariner offense late in the game, recording the fourth team shutout on the season.
"It was a good, solid performance against a very talented team," said head coach
Gregg Miller. "We showed toughness and resilience when we needed to. The guys did their jobs the way we expected them to."
The Valiants return to action Saturday, when they host #14 Eastern University in a MAC Freedom matchup. Kick-off is set for 4:30 P.M. at GoValiants.com Field.
