team huddle
8
VMI VMI 6-6, 2-4
9
Winner Manhattan MANHATTA 5-6, 5-1
VMI VMI
6-6, 2-4
8
Final
9
Manhattan MANHATTA
5-6, 5-1
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
VMI VMI 2 2 1 3 8
Manhattan MANHATTA 1 4 1 3 9

Game Recap: Lacrosse |

VMI rally comes up short at Manhattan

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The VMI lacrosse team scored two goals in the final six minutes to pull within one of host Manhattan College, but the Jaspers held tight over the final moments to secure a 9-8 win over the Keydets Saturday afternoon at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, New York.
 
With the win, the Jaspers improve to 5-6 overall and 5-1 in conference play while the Keydets fall to 6-6 on the year and 2-4 in MAAC contests.
 
VMI Head Coach James Purpura
"We were unable to finish the comeback. Credit to Manhattan - they played a solid game. I thought we did a lot of good things today, but ultimately we had a few too many things go against us. I thought we played solid 6v6 defense. That unit has really stepped up in the last week and they continued to give us opportunities.
 
"Offensively, we had our chances against a strong defense but didn't shoot the ball well enough and capitalize on our opportunities. Today was one of those days where statistically we won a lot of the stat lines but not the one that matters most. We have a quick turnaround with a mid-week game back at home versus another strong conference opponent. I look forward to getting back to work with this group."
 
Game Summary
Goals by Luke Mryncza and Cole Jones put VMI up by a 2-1 score after the opening period of play.
 
The Jaspers caught fire in the second stanza to outscore the Keydets by a 4-2 tally. AJ Stamos scored at the 5:29 mark to tie the game at 3-3 before Manhattan put in two unanswered goals to go up, 5-4. In the final moments of the half, VMI's Austin English took a pass from AJ Stamos and notched a goal to put VMI down one, 5-4, going into the break.
 
A defensive stronghold by both teams was put on display during the third quarter as each team managed just one goal apiece. Manhattan's James Basile scored at the 12:13 mark of the period, while VMI's Luke Rusterucci scored his first goal of the game with 36 seconds left in quarter.
 
After two Manhattan goals to open the fourth quarter to go up 8-5 with 9:19 left in regulation, VMI's Ty Yonas scored less than a minute later to keep VMI in the fight. Manhattan's Tyler Mosca then scored what came to be the game-winning goal with 8:01 on the clock to lift the Jaspers to another three-goal lead. 
 
VMI's Kyle Webster and Nate Golding notched the final two goals for the Keydets for the game's final tally.
 
Inside the Box Score
*The Jaspers outshot the Keydets by a slim 38-34 margin
*The Keydets went 1-2 on extra-man opportunities while Manhattan went 1-3
*VMI claimed 12 of 21 faceoffs to win the battle at the X
*A stingy VMI defense caused 11 turnovers on the day to six for Manhattan
 
Up Next
The Keydets face a quick turnaround as they play host to MAAC foe Wagner College Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Drill Field #2.
 
 
 
 
 

 
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