Written by Michael Lewis
UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Justin McLean and Pau Ferrer scored goals to pace the Long Island Rough Riders to a 2-0 win over 10-man Manhattan SC in a USL League Two game at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.
The Rough Riders (4-1-0, 12 points) moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division.
Manhattan SC (4-2-0 12), which dropped into third place, played the final 24 minutes of the match with 10 men after Ensa Sanneh was given his marching orders after accruing his second yellow card in the 66th minute. Manhattan SC had beaten Cedar Stars Academy, 7-3, at home in its most recent contest on Saturday, June 8.
Goalkeeper Eryk Dymora recorded the clean sheet in a solid performance.
The first half was evenly played, but it was Long Island that entered the locker room with the lead.
McLean, a forward, lifted the hosts into a 1-0 lead during a scramble in front of goalkeeper Robert Alphin in the 17th minute. A corner kick started the scoring sequence as the Rough Riders attempted four shots at goal before McLean’s shot from the right side hit the lower left post and traveled over the line for his third goal of the season.
Ferrer, a wingback, gave the Rough Riders some breathing room as his shot from the right side deflected off a Manhattan SC defender in the 71st minute.
The Rough Riders will hit the road to face Morris Elite in Madison, N.J., on Saturday, June 15, before returning home for three consecutive contests. The Riders then will welcome the Westchester Flames on Wednesday, June 19, Staten Island Athletic Sporting Club on Wednesday, June 26, and Cedar Stars Academy on Sunday, June 30.
Long Island will close out the regular season with three consecutive road matches. The Riders will play at Staten Island on Wednesday, July 3, at Westchester on Saturday, July 6, and at Manhattan on Wednesday, July 10.