CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Monmouth University senior Damon Wilson netted the lone goal of the game, as the Hawks defeated No. 16 North Carolina in the season opener for both teams in the Carolina Nike Classic. The victory marks Monmouth's second win over a nationally ranked team in the last two seasons, and it was the first season-opening loss for the Tar Heels since 1997.

Monmouth freshman Ryan Kinne, an NSCAA High School All-American and 2006 Connecticut State Player of the Year, beat two defenders and fed Wilson in the 55th minute. From 12 yards out, Wilson deposited the shot into the corner of the net, for his first score of the season.

"What an unbelievable victory for the program," commented head coach Robert McCourt. "I am so proud and impressed by our guys, with the character they showed and the professional way they carried themselves. We had to defend an awful lot to pull off a victory like this."

Monmouth was outshot in the contest 16-4, which forced Daniel Schenkel to make seven saves in goal for the Hawks, who opened the season with a win for the first time since 2004.

Monmouth returns to action on Sunday, when the Hawks face No. 3 Wake Forest on the final day of the Carolina Nike Classic.