BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Monmouth University men's soccer team, ranked #12 in the NSCAA/HendrickCars.com National Top-25 Poll, played Long Island to a 1-1 double overtime draw in Northeast Conference play on Friday afternoon at LIU Field. The Hawks move to 8-1-2 on the season and 2-0-2 in the league, while the Blackbirds are now 4-7-1 overall and 1-2-1 in the conference.
"I am disappointed in the result, I thought we created some good goal scoring opportunities but just couldn't put one away," said MU head coach Robert McCourt. "I do think the guys showed a lot of character today, coming in to one of the most difficult places to play in the country and getting a point."
LIU took the match's initial lead in the 29th minute when Jakeem Johnson scored on an assist from teammate Juan Lanza. The Hawks, who outshot Long Island, 21-5 in the contest, went into the half down by that one goal deficit.
MU came out very aggressive in the second half, outshooting the Blackbirds 11-4, in looking for the equalizer. The Hawks found the tying tally in the 52nd minute when sophomore Ryan Clark's (Freehold, N.J. /Freehold Township) corner kick found senior Anthony Vazquez (Belford, N.J. /Middletown North [St. John's]), who headed it passed LIU keeper Adam Janssen. The goal was the captain's second of the season, while Clark added his three assist of the campaign.
The Blue and White controlled the action in overtime, outshooting the hosts, 6-0 in the extra frames. MU also held a 9-4 advantage on corner kicks, including a 7-2 advantage in the second half.
Senior keeper and Hermann Trophy candidate Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J. /Scotch Plains-Fanwood) made three saves for the Hawks to earn the draw.
The Hawks conclude the NEC's Brooklyn road swing when they travel to the Aviator Sports Complex to take on St. Francis College on Sunday at 1:00 pm.
