RIVERDALE, N.Y. — The Marist University men's soccer team extended its winning streak to three games on Saturday evening, earning a 2-1 road victory over Manhattan at Gaelic Park. The Verheul brothers connected for both goals as the Red Foxes clinched a spot in the 2026 Metro Men's Soccer Championship.
"They pushed us and they made us work for it, but I'm happy the guys saw it out," head coach Matt Viggiano '99 said. "We did what we needed to do to get three points, which is the most important thing this time of the year."
Marist improves to 7-3-5 overall and 5-2-2 in Metro Conference play. The Red Foxes have been stellar on the road this season, improving to 6-1 away from Tenney Stadium. Manhattan falls to 3-10-2 overall and 1-6-2 in conference play.
- After a scoreless first half, Marist broke through in the 56th minute. Junior defender Gijs Verheul delivered a beautiful ball into the box, where his brother, senior captain forward Chris Verheul, was there to finish and give the Red Foxes a 1-0 lead. Graduate student midfielder Gijs Velings also received an assist on the play, completing the Dutch connection.
- Manhattan answered in the 63rd minute on a free kick as Ziv Dahan found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1.
- Marist regained the lead in the 80th minute on another connection between the Verheul brothers. Off a corner kick from junior midfielder Caio Cavaletti, Chris Verheul flicked the ball on to Gijs Verheul, who finished to put the Red Foxes ahead 2-1.
- The Red Foxes held on over the final 10 minutes to secure their third consecutive victory and clinch a spot in the Metro Men's Soccer Championship.
- Chris Verheul scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season and recorded his fourth assist of the year.
- Gijs Verheul recorded his second goal and second assist of the season.
- Cavaletti notched his team-leading eighth assist of the season.
- Velings recorded his third assist of the season.
- Marist held a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal, while Manhattan finished with a 12-11 edge in total shots.
- The Red Foxes earned eight corner kicks compared to three for the Jaspers.
- The Red Foxes close out the regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 4, hosting Siena at 6 p.m. inside Tenney Stadium.
