The Manhattan Jaspers Men's Soccer team lost their season opener to Central Connecticut State University, 3-2, despite leading initially in the match. Sophomore Tycho van Haaren scored the first goal, followed by senior Ziv Dahan doubling the lead shortly after halftime. However, CCSU rallied with three unanswered goals, including a penalty kick, to secure the win. Freshman goalkeeper Gaspar Homar Bennasar made eight saves in his debut, showcasing a strong performance amidst the loss.

By the Numbers
  • Manhattan was outshot 15-10 overall and 11-5 in shots on goal.
  • Ziv Dahan recorded three shots on goal, marking his return from injury with his first goal since October 2024.
State of Play
  • Manhattan featured more than 20 newcomers, with only five players returning from last season.
  • The Jaspers led the match with six corner kicks out of nine taken.
What's Next

The Jaspers will face NJIT on August 27 at Lubetkin Field, aiming to bounce back from their opening loss. This matchup presents an opportunity for the team to regroup and leverage their fresh talent against a new opponent.

Bottom Line

Despite a promising start, the Jaspers will need to tighten their defense and build on their offensive momentum to secure future victories this season.