OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. – The Manhattanville men's soccer team put together a strong first-half performance on the road Wednesday afternoon, but the College at Old Westbury rallied late to hand the Valiants a 2-3 loss in Skyline Conference action — marking Manhattanville's fourth conference defeat of the season.
The Valiants came out firing, generating several quality chances in the opening minutes as Leo Marsella (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Mamaroneck) and Griffin Van Cott (Goshen, N.Y./Goshen) each forced early saves from the Old Westbury keeper. Despite the early momentum, Old Westbury struck first in the ninth minute when Johan Gran converted off a pass from Spencer Hernandez to take the 1–0 lead.
Manhattanville continued to push the pace offensively, generating shots from Jacob Mazza (Center Moriches, N.Y./Center Moriches), Nickolas Pagan (Valley Stream, N.Y./Valley Stream North), and Van Cott. Breaking through in the 32nd minute was Van Cott when he finished a cross from Jacob Mazza (Center Moriches, N.Y./Center Moriches) to level the score at one. Just five minutes later, the Valiants took their first lead of the match as Aiden Sivio (Staten Island, N.Y./Monsignor Farrell) buried a shot off an assist from Tiernan McLaughlin (Yonkers, N.Y./Fordham Prep), putting Manhattanville ahead 2–1 heading into halftime.
The Panthers nearly found the equalizer early in the second half, with two close goal attempts coming in quick succession. Manhattanville goalkeeper Declan Whitfield (Jamesport, N.Y./St. Anthony's) remained sharp throughout, coming up with several clutch saves to preserve the lead.
However, momentum shifted after the Valiants were reduced to ten men in the 64th minute following a red card. Old Westbury capitalized on the advantage, with Wilmer Reyes Martinez scoring twice in the span of two minutes — in the 74th and 76th — both assisted by Paul DeGennaro, to put the hosts ahead by one.
Manhattanville continued to fight until the final whistle, earning multiple corners and late opportunities from Luis Del Riego (Madrid, Spain/Rafa Nadal International) and Sivio, but couldn't find the equalizer.
The Valiants tallied 17 shots with nine being on goal with the Panthers trailing closely with 16 shots with nine also on goal. Whitfield finished the match with six saves in net. Leading in shots was Van Cott with 5 and Sivio with three leading the Valiants' attack.
Up Next:
Men's soccer for Manhattanville will continue in the First Round of the Skyline Conference Championship, Saturday, November 1st on GoValiants.com Field, time to be announced.
