LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Manhattan (1-5-2) and Rider (1-7-2) played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening at Ben Cohen Field in a match that featured three yellow cards and a late red card dismissal. The physical contest saw both teams create multiple scoring chances before settling for a point apiece.
The scoring details remained level at 1-1 after 90 minutes of play, with both teams finding the net in a match that saw momentum swing back and forth. The evenly matched affair reflected the competitive nature of conference play, with neither side able to find a decisive winner.
The first half saw Rider come out aggressively, with Patryk Rojek testing the Manhattan defense with a shot in the 4th minute that sailed high. Manhattan's William Fagerberg responded with a low effort in the 12th minute that missed the target. The opening 45 minutes featured physical play, with Manhattan's Jason Araujo receiving a yellow card in the 31st minute for an unsporting challenge.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for a winner. Manhattan's hopes were dealt a significant blow in the 82nd minute when Ibrahima Keita received a straight red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Rider's Patryk Rojek and Xavi Csato both earned yellow cards in the final ten minutes as tensions rose. Despite being down to ten men, Manhattan defended resolutely to preserve the draw.
The final statistics highlighted the evening's competitive nature, with Rider recording 11 shot attempts to Manhattan's 8. Manhattan managed to put 6 shots on target compared to Rider's single effort on frame. The home side held a slight edge in corner kicks (5-4), while both teams' physical approach was evident in the card count, with Manhattan receiving one yellow and one red, while Rider collected two yellows.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. William Fagerberg was particularly active for Manhattan, recording multiple shot attempts including efforts in the 12th and 77th minutes. Henry Hamilton provided a strong presence in midfield, while Rider's Patryk Rojek created several dangerous opportunities before receiving his late caution.
The tactical battle evolved significantly after Keita's dismissal, with Manhattan adopting a more defensive posture to protect the point. Rider attempted to capitalize on their man advantage in the final minutes, with Drew Heil and Kaelan Debbage both having late attempts blocked or saved.
Both teams made extensive use of their benches, with Rider making key substitutions including the removal of Gio Polizzi, Xavi Csato, and Ezra Punselie at halftime. Manhattan countered with their own adjustments, bringing off Thiago da Silva, William Fagerberg, Martin Rodriguez, and Jason Araujo as they managed their personnel through the physical contest.
The draw extends both teams' recent struggles to find victories, with Manhattan now winless in their last three matches and Rider seeking their first win in four games. Looking ahead, Manhattan returns home to host Merrimack on October 4th at 6:00 PM, while Rider travels to face Siena on the same day with a 3:00 PM kickoff.
The match officials had their hands full managing the contest's physical nature, issuing four cards total including the crucial red card dismissal that could have implications for both teams moving forward in their conference campaigns.