RIVERDALE, NY – If there was one word to describe Siena Men's Soccer's 2023 season – specifically the second half of it- it would be resiliency. From 0-6 to begin the year to 7-2 in MAAC play, the Saints (7-8, 7-2), continued their dramatic season turnaround with a dramatic comeback 3-2 victory at Manhattan (6-6-3, 6-2-1) in Riverdale, New York on Saturday afternoon.

The win has matched the program's most MAAC wins in a single season with the 2008 and 2010 campaigns, and has secured the Green and Gold a top-three seed in the upcoming 2023 MAAC Championship, giving them their highest postseason positioning since at least 2016. Siena will next have a chance to lock up the No. 2 seed for what would be the fifth time in program history and the first time since 2010.

Coming off a road loss at newly-minted 2023 Regular Season Champion Iona, the visitors found themselves in an early hole, with Manhattan popping out to a 2-0 advantage within 16 minutes of play. Nassim Akki found the back of the net in the seventh minute of action, while Henry Hamilton added an insurance strike in the 16^th minute.

Down but not out, Siena quickly rebounded and found the back of the net just one minute and 49 seconds later, with junior Zach Gardner helping senior Junior Kone to connect for his fourth goal of the year in the 18^th minute.

With its offense now settled in, the Saints completed their first half comeback with the second goal of the season from senior Jack Mendrysa in the form of a transition header just before the half in the 42^nd minute thanks to help from junior Jesper Schone Vogtengen.

With all of the momentum now swinging their way, the visitors cashed in for the final time in the 56^th minute, with Gardner himself scoring his fourth goal of the season off a corner kick set piece from sophomore Magnus Saaby to give Siena its second two-goal comeback victory in three seasons.

The Saints prevailed despite being outshot, 11-9, in the match and in both halves individually. Siena managed three corner kick attempts to Manhattan's two, and it proved to be the one second half opportunity that made the difference.

In a true show of teamwork, Siena received nine shots from nine different players, marking the first time this season such a trend has occurred. Freshman goalkeeper Bennet Glinder tied a collegiate best with six saves in-goal to shake off the slow start from the first half.

After ending road play at 3-6 on the regular season, Siena will have a chance to lock up a first-round bye in front of its home crowd to end regular season play. The Saints will host I-87 rival Marist on Wednesday, November 1 at 3 PM at Hickey Field for the chance to be either the No. 2 or 3 seed in the postseason.