Will Manny proved once again on Friday just how good he and the No. 13 Massachusetts men’s lacrosse team can be.
The junior scored a career-high seven goals and dished out a pair of assists as the Minutemen (1-0) secured their season opener at Army, 12-9. Kyle Smith added four goals of his own in the effort while goalkeeper Tim McCormack collected eight saves in net.
UMass jumped all over the Black Knights (0-1) from the get-go, netting the first three goals of the contest. Smith kicked off the scoring on a feed from Connor Mooney, followed by back-to-back unassisted goals from Manny.
After a pair of fourth quarter Army goals cut the lead to 10-9, Smith took over. The junior cashed in two insurance scores in a two minute, 11 second span to give the Minutemen a three-goal cushion with 3:19 left to play in the game, halting any chance of a Black Knight comeback.
UMass coach Greg Cannella, who earned his 150th career victory, was pleased with his team’s effort against a very tough Army team. Cannella was particularly pleased with the resiliency the Minutemen displayed when the Black Knights were able to chip away at the lead.
“Our guys really persevered,” said Cannella in an interview with UMass Athletics. “We buckled down, we played some great defense throughout the day and got some timely scoring.”
Despite never trailing in the game, UMass had its hands full throughout the affair. Army trimmed the deficit to one on three separate occasions, but the Minutemen responded in each instance, with Smith’s two late goals serving as the last and most critical stand for the squad.
While Manny’s goal-scoring was crucial in the victory, it was his second and final assist that proved most impactful. Following a huge save by McCormack to hold on to a 10-9 lead, UMass went on the break. As the ball came to Manny, he shoveled a no-look pass across his body to a streaking Smith, who finished on the run to give the Minutemen an 11-9 advantage to stamp their first win of the season.
Manny was the catalyst for UMass all day long. The Colonial Athletic Association’s Preseason Co-Player of the Year had nine points for the game, the first Minuteman to do so since Jeff Zywicki’s seven-goal, two-assist performance on March 18, 2003 against Albany.
Cannella was happy to see Manny finishing around the net and “put the team on his back.” Cannella credits his performance as a testament to the hard work he’s dedicated towards his development as a player.
“You give him a lot of credit, because he’s the type of guy that works very hard,” said Cannella. “He comes in and does his film work on himself, he does his film work on his opponents, he’s out there early shooting, so you’re so happy for people who prepare that way.”
UMass outshot Army, 36-32, in the contest, including a 22-17 differential in shots on goal.
Andrew Boyd led the Black Knights with a pair of goals and an assist, while Garrett Thul and John Glesener had two goals apiece as well.
Next up for UMass is its home-opener against No. 14 Bucknell, another potential challenge. Nothing will come easy for the Minutemen this season, as its schedule is crammed with a number of talented opponents.
With its ability to grind out the victory, Cannella believes his team benefited from a contested affair more so than a lopsided victory.
“I think it does prepare you for your future games,” he said.
The home-opener is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Garber Field as UMass welcomes the Bison.
Stephen Sellner can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @MDC_Sellner.
