Mano and Rodriguez Secure Skyline Men's Soccer Player and Rookie of the Week Honors
NEW YORK — Recognizing their efforts in the victory over Yeshiva in the season opener for the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) men's soccer team last week, junior Pandeli Mano (Bayside, N.Y./Bayside) and freshman Julian Rodriguez (Whitestone, N.Y./Bayside) have been named the Skyline Conference men's soccer Co-Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week as announced by the league office announced this afternoon.
Mano came on as a substitute and struck in the 85th minute, breaking a 1-all deadlock with a one-touch chip off the inside of the post lifting the Bears to a 2-1 victory. The game-winner was the third of the junior midfielder's career, moving him into a tie for the Bears' all-time record in the category.
On the opposite end of the pitch, Rodriguez faced 12 shots and made four saves in his collegiate debut, with his lone goal allowed coming from the penalty spot.
With the contributions from Mano and Rodriguez, St. Joseph's reversed a 10-3 lopsided defeat last season to earn their first win over Yeshiva in six meetings. It also marked the first league win for the team since joining the Skyline Conference last season and the first collegiate victory for first-year Head Coach Ovid Cusu, who made his debut at the helm in impressive fashion.
The weekly accolades collected by the duo from Bayside High School also are the first garnered by a Bear in team history.
St. Joseph's looks to remain undefeated returning to the field tomorrow, September 7th facing John Jay College at Randall's Island at 4 p.m. opening a stretch of four non-conference games.