WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. ? The Monmouth University men's soccer team kept their second straight opponent off the scoreboard as they shutout Rider 2-0 on Sunday afternoon on The Great Lawn. Monmouth sophomore Chase Barbieri (Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough) scored both goals for the Hawks, who improve to 2-1-1 with the win, while Rider drops to 1-4 on the season. Monmouth is now unbeaten in their last three games, which includes a home win against Fairfield and a scoreless at Syracuse of the BIG EAST.

“The heat was a factor today and everyone's energy levels were affected, but our guys did a good job keeping Rider on their heels,” said head coach Robert McCourt. “We created some affective goal-scoring opportunities against them and it was a solid win.”

After a scoreless first half of play, the Hawks' first tally came when Ryan Kinne (Naugatuck, Conn./Naugatuck) played a corner chance to the far post where Rob LaRocca (Holmdel, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) centered the ball to Barbieri for the goal. Less than three minutes later, the duo hooked up again when Kinne found Barbieri ahead of the pack and his one-touch beat the Rider keeper for the score.

Monmouth keeper Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) logged his second straight shutout in the game. The Hawks outshot the Broncs 21-1, including 9-0 in shots on goals. The Blue and White also held a 13-3 advantage on corner chances in the contest.

Monmouth returns to action on Wednesday, September 14 when they travel to Delaware for a 7:00 p.m. match with the Blue Hens.