Jaspers Soccer Earns Key MAAC Wins

The Manhattan University Jaspers soccer programs are finding their stride as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season heats up — with both the men’s and women’s teams earning critical victories at Gaelic Park this past week.

The men’s team grabbed its first conference win of the season on Oct. 4, defeating Merrimack College 1-0. The victory came just days after a gritty 1-1 draw at Rider University, marking a turning point for the Jaspers after several close results.

Sophomore midfielder William Fagerberg continued his strong form, scoring in the 12th minute off a well-executed buildup from Henry Hamilton and Giovanni Rivera. It was Fagerberg’s second straight game with a goal and proved to be the match-winner.

Goalkeeper Ludvig Malberg recorded four saves for his second shutout of the season, while the back line — led by Max Asplin-Rowley, Paul Abbatiello, and Lucas Cobo — contained Merrimack’s attack despite facing 17 corner kicks.

“We’re happy for the boys,” Jaspers’ head coach Tom Giovatto said after the match. “They worked hard throughout the match. The last two games, we had leads and couldn’t hold off to get the points. Today, we had to suffer and I thought we took a step forward to get the win. Now we need to move forward and try to build on this.”

Earlier in the week, the Jaspers took an early lead at Rider on another Fagerberg strike but settled for a draw after conceding in the second half. The results have lifted team confidence and helped stabilize a season that started unevenly.

The women’s team also earned a crucial conference win, defeating Siena University 1-0 on Oct. 4. Freshman Josslyn Weissman netted the lone goal in the first half with a left-footed finish off a corner kick, marking her first home goal of the season.

Goalkeeper Molly Brunk tallied four saves for her third shutout of the year, while Amaya Hill and Marlene Berlinghoff helped keep the pressure on Siena’s back line throughout.

With both teams climbing in the MAAC standings, the Jaspers are showing resilience — and reminding fans at Gaelic Park that Manhattan soccer is hitting its stride at just the right time.