NEW YORK - After making its first road trip of the season to Sacred Heart Sunday, the Columbia men's soccer team (0-2) will return home to host local foe Manhattan (0-3) Wednesday. Game time at the Columbia Soccer Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

The Lions dropped the first two games of the 2012 season over the weekend, falling to Fairfield at home and Sacred Heart on the road, each by a score of 1-0. Despite the results of its first two contest, Columbia's defense has held its own against its early opponents this season. Through 180 minutes of action, the Lions have allowed the Stags and Pioneers only 12 shots. Columbia's defense has also done a good job clearing the ball deep from its own zone, relinquishing just four corner kicks.

Subsequently, the Columbia offense has had its chances early on this season, racking up 17 corner kicks and 15 shots. Freshman Frederick Elliot leads the Lions with three shots, while senior Brendan O'Hearn paces Columbia with two shots on goal.

Manhattan is returning from a west coast trip also searching for their first win of the season. The Jaspers opened the year with a 5-1 loss at the hands of Villanova before heading out to Spokane, Wash. to compete at the Gonzaga Nike Classic. Gonzaga and Oregon State each shutout Manhattan.

The Jaspers have allowed 56 shots this season, including 31 on net. George Ellis and Christopher Landis have each seen time in goal for Manhattan, with Ellis stopping 13 shot attempts and giving up nine goals. Tommy Amos recorded the Jaspers lone goal on a penalty kick against Villanova.

Columbia has never lost to Manhattan in six meetings (5-0-1) between the schools. The Lions secured victory in the most recent matchup on Sept. 17, 2006 by a score of 1-0. In total, Columbia has outscored Manhattan 30-3 over the course of the series.