Freshman Veer Lakhan-Joseph did it again, scoring the Rams' lone goal for the second straight game to give the Fordham men's soccer team the 1-0 win over Manhattan College in the Battle of the Bronx.
Fordham had the most chances in the half with the first coming from the foot of sophomore Aaron Markowitz 13 minutes into the game as his shot from the right side was snagged by the diving Manhattan goalie Joseph Lorenz.
Halfway through the half, the Rams had another great opportunity created by Markowtiz as he poked the ball passed a Manhattan defender, leaving both he and Lahkan-Joseph all alone heading towards the net. Lakhan-Joseph took the lead on this one and was easily able to punch the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the year.
The Rams were hungry for more in the first half, but a free kick taken by Phil Ferrantello right outside the Manhattan Box could not get passed the Manhattan wall. Peter Graham had a shot at his second goal of the season, but his strike in front of the Jaspers' net was blocked by a sliding Lorenz for his second save of the half.
Manhattan found new life after the Rams' outshot them 11-2 in the first half as the Jaspers held possession in the Rams' territory for a large part of the second half. But the Rams' defense would not quit, fending off two shots and two corner kicks by Manhattan.
Though Fordham had to beef up their defensive game they still stayed on the attack. Sophomore Tim Richardson created a great chance after he stole the ball in the Jaspers' territory and dished it to Lakhan-Joseph, but once again Lorenz came up with the tough save to keep the game at 1-0.
Manhattan's best chance in the half came in the 72nd minute with Febricio Pesantez having an open look from the left side, but senior defender Mike McTigue came in for a sliding stop.
Sophomore keeper Ryan Meara came up with one save for his second straight shutout and tenth of his career.
The Rams are back in action on Saturday, September 26 as they host Central Connecticut State University at 4:00 PM.