WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University junior Rob LaRocca (Holmdel, N.J./CBA) netted the game-winner in the 72nd minute to lead the Hawks to a 1-0 win over Quinnipiac in Northeast Conference men's soccer action, on Sunday afternoon. With the win, Monmouth clinched its third straight NEC postseason berth.

Monmouth, which was tied with Quinnipiac atop this week's NSCAA/adidas North Atlantic Regional poll, improves to 11-3-2 overall, and 6-1 in the NEC. Quinnipiac, after opening the season at 9-0-3, has lost two straight 1-0 road decisions to fall to 9-2-3 overall and 3-2-2 in league play.

"We are proud of the way the team responded after the loss on Friday," said head coach Robert McCourt. "That shows a lot of character to beat a very good Quinnipiac team."

LaRocca was on the receiving end of a low, line-drive Michael Millar (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) cross from the right wing in front of the net for his third goal of the year. The forward's one-timer narrowly beat QU goalkeeper Freddy Hall into the near netting for the decisive score.

Monmouth, which had its six-game win streak and 24-game NEC unbeaten streak, stopped on Friday afternoon, outshot the Bobcats 18-5 in the match, including an 11-0 edge in the opening half. The Hawks also held a 7-2 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

Hall made five saves in goal for Quinnipiac, including a doorstep save on Damon Wilson (Swedesboro, N.J./St. Andrew's) with just over three minutes remaining. Monmouth goalkeeper Daniel Schenkel (Campo Verde, Brazil) earned his seventh shutout of the season and 20th of his career, while making one save.

Quinnipiac registered two shots in the final 1:15 of the match, one by Shane Recklet that sailed high and the last by Danilo Schiavon, who's header went wide with 14 seconds remaining.

Monmouth returns to action on November 2, when the Hawks travel to Robert Morris for an NEC match, at 3 p.m.