Men's Soccer Battles Manhattanville In Season Opening Loss

Chris Kendrick (@CKendrick86)

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Elms College men's soccer team was edged 2-0 by visiting Manhattanville College in non-conference action at Leary Field Thursday night. The Blazers move to 0-1 on the season, while the Valiants improve to 1-0.

In just the second minute of play, the Valiants capitalized on a Blazers mistake, as the Blazers were whistled for a handball in the keeper box, resulting in a penalty kick for Manhattanville. On the ensuing attempt, Valiant senior Omar Parra (Gilport, Miss.) beat Elms freshman goalkeeper Connor Curtin (Belchertown, Mass.) to his left side, staking Manhattanville to a 1-0 lead. The Blazers settled in for the remainder of the first half, keeping the deficit at 1-0 entering halftime.

The Blazers had their best chance of the game in the 48^th minute as junior CJ Dabkowski (Bristol, Conn.) curled a free kick towards the back post, where freshman Michael Campos (Naugatuck, Conn.) elevated for a header, but Manhattanville freshman keeper Tim Carsting (Falun, Sweden) made a crucial save to preserve the 1-0 advantage. In the 80^th minute, the Valiants added an insurance goal as Parra received a pass at midfield, broke through the Blazers defense and fired a low shot to the far back post, securing the 2-0 victory for Manhattanville.

The Valiants controlled the shot column, 25-9, during the contest. Curtin stopped two shots, while Carsting made a game-high seven saves for the Valiants.

"We came out well today but got a bit unlucky with an early goal off a penalty," said Elms Head Coach Ben Massé. "I was very proud with our resiliency and positive production after the goal. We combined very well throughout the first half and had Manhattanville on their heels for most of the half. We created a few very nice chances offensively and stayed behind the ball while shifting well as a team defensively. In the second half, we tried going forward a bit too much, instead of playing square or swinging balls across the field. Campos had a great strike off a cross inside the box the required a phenomenal save to keep out. We allowed them to score one late because we were pressing very high, which makes it difficult for us to defend. Overall, I am pleased with our first match. We will grow together and get better on and off the ball. We have a new formation with players in new positions, so it will take time. The team's work rate was great today but will also get better with more stamina. I am excited to work with this team as we move forward." 

The Blazers will return to the pitch with a road trip to Springfield College Wednesday night for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Manhattanville hosts New York University Saturday at 1:00 in their home opener.

ELMS SOCCER