Box Score NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – Fueled by an aggressive offense and stout defense, Manchester University managed its second successive victory to open the 2014 season Friday, Sept. 5.
The hosts held a 21-7 shots advantage on the visiting Beavers of Blackburn College of Illinois with 10 of those aimed directly at the visiting net. After BC's defense and senior keeper Shane Rogers pushed aside five first half attempts to keep the match scoreless, the Spartans' offense roared to life in the second half.
Sophomore forward Ola Ladapo (London, England) took a pass from freshman forward Travis Richardson (Elizabethtown, Ky.) and knocked home the first and eventual game-winning score in the 59th minute. Senior forward Loic Youth (Detroit, Mich.) made a habit of finding himself near Blackburn's goal with two scores in a five-minute section of the 70th to 80th minutes with assists from senior defender Connor Seavers (Auburn, Ind.) and senior midfielder Zac Hansen (Muskegon, Mich.) to close up the 3-0 decision.
The Black and Gold's offensive effort was more than enough for freshman goalkeeper Jared Hallal (Indianapolis, Ind.). He forged his first career shutout with three saves to boot.
Manchester University resumes the 2014 Anderson University – Manchester University Raven-Spartan Classic Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff against Westminster College of Pennsylvania is 2 p.m.
NOTES: Ladapo and Youth joined Hallal in individual career firsts Friday. Ladapo tallied his first goal, while Youth earned his first multiple-goal outing.
