SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. ? The Monmouth University men's soccer team fell to Seton Hall 1-0 in overtime in their 2008 season opener on Friday night at Owen T. Carroll Field in front of a crowd of 1,171.
The Hawks were able to create a multitude of scoring opportunities in the contest, including a pair of solid chances in the overtime session, but were not able to convert. The Pirates made the most of their scoring chance, getting behind the MU defense and scoring when Carlos Salazar took a pass in the middle of the field from teammate Christia Vercollone and beat Monmouth goalie Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) to the right for the game's lone goal 4:44 into overtime.
“We are disappointed with the result, but we put forth a solid effort and created some real scoring chances all game, including the overtime period,” said Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt. “We weren't able to convert our chances and Seton Hall made the most of their scoring chance.”
The Pirates outshot MU 19-13, with the hosts logging nine shots each in the first and second half with their only shot of overtime being the golden goal. MU was able to fire off two shots in the extra session.
The hosts also held a 4-2 advantage on corner kicks with the Hawks taking both of their corners in the overtime period. MU also committed 21 fouls, compared to 10 for SHU, including 14 in the first 45 minutes.
Seven of Monmouth's 13 shots were on goal, as junior Daniel Bostock (Nottinghamshire, England/Virgina Intermont) and sophomore Chase Barbieri (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough) each fired two shots on goal. Junior Jorge Blacido (Ramsey, N.J./Ramsey/[Fairleigh Dickinson]), sophomore Ryan Kinne (Naugatuck, Conn./Naugatuck) and freshman Ben Lowy (Ocean, N.J./Ocean Township) all each had one shot on goal. Kinne led the team with four shots for the game, but Barbieri added three.
Meredith made six saves in goal for the Hawks, equaling the total of his counterpart, Seton Hall's Paul McHenry. With the loss, MU falls to 2-5 all-time against the Pirates.
Monmouth returns to action on Sunday, August 31 when they host Fairfield at 1:00 p.m. in their home opener on The Great Lawn.
