Written by Michael Lewis

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – The Long Island Rough Riders men took a giant step closer to clinching the Metropolitan Division crown by recording an emphatic 4-0 victory over Manhattan SC in USL League Two at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday night.

Michael Suski bagged a brace within five minutes of the second half and assisted on the opening first goal by Albert Kang. Matt Whelan added a second-half tally.

Goalkeeper Wessel Speel recorded the clean sheet.

The Rough Riders, who already have clinched a playoff berth, improved to 11-1-1 and 34 points) as they won their fourth consecutive match, while Manhattan SC dropped to 5-3-3.

Kang started the onslaught in the 28th minute when he buried Suski’s feed from the left side, at the far post for a 1-0 advantage.

Long Island came close to extending its lead a little in the half when Nico Cavallo rocketed a shot over the crossbar in the 37th minute and Suski fired a shot off the right post four minutes later.

After a teammate’s interception, Suski found the range in the 58th minute as he powered a 12-yard shot from the right side into the upper 90 for a 2-0 lead.

Only five minutes later, Suski got his double after he was taken down in the box by goalkeeper Michael Collodi. On the ensuing penalty kick, Suski drilled his attempt into the lower right corner for a three-goal lead.

Matt Whelan closed out the scoring, slotting home a Ryan Carmichael rebound from seven yards.

The Rough Riders, who have outscored their opposition by a 41-8 margin, close out the regular season at home against New Jersey Copa FC on Sunday, July 16 at 7 p.m.

After that, Long Island will compete in the USL League Two playoffs, with dates and venues to be determined.