Both teenagers Bibi Karamoko and William Luruka scored goals as USL League Two team Manhattan SC beat FC Motown 2-1 at the 2023 Lamar Hunt US at Marilak Field on Wednesday. Advanced to the second round of the Open Cup. night.
The win was Manhattan SC’s first victory in the historic tournament in its first entry into the competition. The team next faces NISA’s Flower City Union on Tuesday, April 4 at the Rochester Community Sports Complex in Rochester, NY, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The home side had more possession in the early minutes, but the pressure paid off when Motown created chances and Franco Catania scored in the 26th minute.
Manhattan were able to keep the game in goal at the break as goaltender Conor Meath made three saves. In the 10th minute of the second half, 17-year-old Karamoko shot from near the penalty spot. The goal looked to lift the hosts who played more after half time. Karamoko nearly led the team with his 13 minutes remaining, but his effort was denied as the match extended his half hour.
Neither team could create a good chance in the first period of overtime, but Manhattan took the lead within a minute of restarting. Karamoko started the play, overpowering the opponent’s marker around his ball through his right flank, rose to the center of Luluca who arrived in his area for a penalty. The 18-year-old controlled with touch and shot low into his bottom right corner.
When William Mensah hit the post in the 108th minute, Motown reacted almost immediately and Manhattan had to hold out in injury time. But the hosts held on tight to secure an impressive win and a sleeper in the next round.
