FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Monmouth University men's soccer team received goals from sophomore Cesar Blacido (Ramsey, N.J./Ramsey) and junior Ryan Kinne (Naugatuck, Conn./Naugatuck) in defeating Fairfield 2-1 in nonconference action on Friday evening in front of 628 at Lessing Field. The Hawks, who run their record to 2-0 with the win, topped a Stags side that qualified for the 2008 NCAA Tournament after winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament a season ago.
"The guys showed a lot of character tonight, especially after a difficult day of travel, in beating a very good Fairfield team," said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt, referring to the holiday traffic the team faced en route to Connecticut. "This was a complete team effort from the keeper through the rest of the team. I felt we were very difficult to break down in the back and created some very good goal-scoring chances up front."
After withstanding an early flurry of chances from Fairfield in the first half, including when junior keeper Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains,N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) made a sparkling early save, the Hawks were able break through for a score. Freshman Ryan Clark (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) beat his defender down the left sideline and sent a cross to Blacido, who found the back of the net in the seventh minute. The goal represented two firsts for the Monmouth duo involved as it marked Clark's first collegiate point, as well as Blacido's first goal in the Blue and White.
Thirty minutes later, Kinne scored what proved to be the game-winner when he found the back of the net off a spectacular direct free kick from 20 yards out. The goal marked the 14th of the junior's career, and was his sixth career game-winner.
Fairfield's Jack Burridge headed in the Stags' goal off a cross from Christian Uy in the 62nd minute.
Meredith made five saves in the game to earn the win, leading a strong Monmouth defensive effort.
"Our defense, starting with Bryan and the back four, was outstanding tonight," added McCourt.
Monmouth outshot the hosts 11-8, while the Stags held a 7-6 advantage on corner kicks. The Hawks return to action on Sunday when they visit NJIT for a 1:00 pm match in Newark.
