The Canisius College men's soccer team earned a key 1-0 MAAC victory against Manhattan on Saturday night. With the win, the Griffs improve 8-6-2 on the season and 3-4-1 in MAAC play, while the Jaspers drops to 1-10-2 and 0-6-1 against conference foes.

“Our team performed very well tonight in a huge contest for our postseason hopes,” said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. “We showed a lot of maturity in a pressurized situation. Now, we're looking forward to a week off as we prepare for Saint Peter's next Saturday.”

In a game that was decided by just one goal, both teams had chances early to take the lead. Canisius twice hit the crossbar, first from a Thomas Teupen header in just the seventh minute and then from Asani Samuels in the 47th minute.

It was a defender, however, who ultimately decided the contest. Off a corner kick in the 70th minute of play, senior A.C. LaFlore headed the ball into the back of the net for the game's only goal and his second tally in as many games. Junior Alex De Carolis registered the assist on the game-winning score.

Junior Andrew Coughlin recorded five saves to extend his school record with his sixth shutout of the season.

The Griffs finished the game with an 18-11 advantage in shots and a 6-4 edge in corner kicks. Alex Coates McDowall recorded six saves in defeat for the Jaspers.

Canisius returns to action next weekend with a home contest against Saint Peter's. The Senior Night contest is slated to begin on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Game Notes: LaFlore did not score in his first 61 career games but now has a goal in each of the last two games … The Griffs' sixth shutout of the season sets a new school record, breaking a tie with the 2003 team … Canisius is now 10-11-3 all-time against the Jaspers … The Griffs eight wins ties the school's record for a single-season against Division I schools, matching the mark of the 2007 and 2012 teams … Canisius is also within one win of tying the overall school record of nine, set in 1980.