Familoni's first career goal propels Bryant

NEW YORK - Senior forward Bunmi Familoni (East Greenwich, R.I.) scored his first collegiate goal in the 63rd minute, propelling the Bryant University men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Manhattan College on Sunday, Sept. 25.  

With no score about halfway through the second half, Familoni took a pass from freshman Connor Norat (Wilmington, Del.) and buried it from 20 yards away on the right side of the goal, putting it past Manhattan goaltender Christopher Lands (four saves) who had attempted to make the save but saw the ball deflect off the right post and into the back of the net.  That lone marker would account for all of the game's scoring, sending the Bulldogs (1-4-1) to their first victory of the season, while earning their second win over the Jaspers (0-7-0) in as many seasons.

Bryant goaltender George Spanos (Garden City, N.Y.) turned aside four shots between the posts, earning his first victory of the season in the process.  Lands was replaced by George Ellis with 18:14 remaining in regulation, and the latter saw only three shots, none of which were on target.

Nearly four minutes after Familoni's goal, the man responsible for setting up the scoring play nearly doubled Bryant's lead, as Connor Norat ripped a shot in the 67th minute that rang off the crossbar, and that would be the closest either team would get the remainder of the game.

Both teams fought an even battle for most of the game, as Bryant held a narrow 15-13 edge in shots attempted, in addition to a slim 7-5 lead in corner kicks.  Both teams were called for 11 fouls apiece.

On the defensive third of the pitch, the Black and Gold defensive corps came alive on Sunday, earning the team's first clean sheet of the year while blocking four Manhattan shot attempts. 

The Bulldogs will look to make it two in a row after a four-day break, resuming action on Friday, Sept. 30 in Hamden, Conn., with Bryant opening up Northeast Conference play against Quinnipiac.  Game time is set for 3 p.m.

For continuing coverage of Bryant men's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.