The Columbia men’s soccer team will host Manhattan University on Monday night at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The Lions, currently holding a record of 0-1-2, return home after securing a 1-1 draw against Fairfield last Wednesday.
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+ or follow live statistics and updates through GoColumbiaLions.com and the team’s social media accounts.
In their previous outing, Columbia equalized in the 77th minute after Alessandro Franciosa converted a penalty kick. The penalty was awarded following a foul on first-year player Henning Myrvang, confirmed by video review. Franciosa’s goal marked his first collegiate score. Fairfield had taken an early lead in the 22nd minute.
Manhattan enters Monday’s match with a 1-3-1 record. Their only win came against Division III New Jersey City University, while they have not scored in their last two matches against Division I opponents. Martin Rodriguez leads Manhattan with four goals this season.
Columbia holds a historical advantage over Manhattan, leading the series 9-1-3 overall and remaining undefeated at home with a record of 9-0-2 in those games. Last year, Manhattan earned its first win in the series at Gaelic Park.
The Lions return 22 players from last year’s squad, including several who started most matches during the previous season. Senior Dean Kelliher returns as an experienced goalkeeper alongside Alexander O’Brien and newcomer Aris Taki. Defensively, key players such as Carmine Falco and Joe McDaid bring experience to the back line; both started all matches last season.
Offensively, Columbia aims to improve goal production after scoring nine times throughout last season. The team retains most of its scoring contributors from last year but seeks more consistency in finding the net.
Team captains for this season are senior Carmine Falco and junior Jackson ten Oever. Falco has appeared in nearly every match since joining Columbia, while ten Oever received All-Ivy League Honorable Mention recognition and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
Head coach Michael Casper is now in his third year leading Columbia men’s soccer. Last season saw progress for the program when it ended a five-year Ivy League winless streak by defeating Yale.
Eight new players have joined this year’s roster across multiple positions. Coach Casper commented on their addition: “We want players that fit the model of what we want Columbia men’s soccer to look like – hard-working and technical with the ability to become difference makers.”
The program marks its 78th varsity season this year since being established in 1906 (with interruptions between 1916–1957). Over its history, Columbia men’s soccer has claimed ten Ivy League championships and made thirteen NCAA Tournament appearances, including reaching the national championship game in 1983 against Indiana.
For further updates about Columbia men’s soccer, fans are encouraged to follow @CULionsMSOC on Twitter and Instagram or visit GoColumbiaLions.com.
