WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University men's soccer team, ranked #10 in the nation, defeated St. Francis (N.Y.), 1-0 in a Northeast Conference match on Friday afternoon on The Great Lawn. MU freshman Ryan Clark (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) continued his stellar first season in West Long Branch, heading in the game-winner in the 86th minute off a cross from junior Drew Von Bargen (Medford, N.J./Shawnee). The Hawks improve to 10-0-1 on the season, furthering the program's record unbeaten streak, and 2-0-1 in league play, while the Terriers fall to 4-5 overall and 1-2 in the NEC.
"I was pleased with the overall performance of the team today," said Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt. "I thought we deserved to win this match. As we move forward, we need to do a better job of finishing our scoring opportunities earlier in the game."
After 85 ½ minutes of scoreless action, the Blue and White struck when Von Bargen took the ball from a Terrier near midfield and advanced up the right side in front of the MU bench. He sent an accurate cross to the far post, where Clark rose up and headed the ball into the far upper 90 for the game-winner. The goal tied newcomer for the team lead with five markers on the season, while Von Bargen's assist marked his second of the season and the fifth of the junior's career.
"We kept trying to push up against them all game and we weren't getting the numbers we wanted to," said Clark. "Drew sent a great ball across and I was able to find a goal. This was a good win for us, but we need to keep working and fighting each match."
The Hawks had a great chance to take an early lead in the first half when sophomore Max Hamilton (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) stole the ball at midfield and advanced 1-v-1 towards SFC keeper Chris Antonino, who made one of his four saves to keep the match scoreless.
MU keeper Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) made three saves for his eighth shutout of the season, and his fifth straight. The junior now has 19 career shutouts.
The Hawks outshot St. Francis (N.Y.) 11-4 in the match, including 5-3 in shots on goal. Both squads had three corner kicks in the game as well.
Monmouth returns to action on Sunday when they host Long Island at 1:00 pm on The Great Lawn.
