WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Monmouth University men's soccer team, ranked seventh in this week's NSCAA/HendrickCars.com National Rankings, defeated American University, 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at Reeves Field to run its record to 4-0 this season. The Hawks were led by junior Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland /Voionmaan Lukio [Rhode Island]), who scored his first two goals in a Monmouth uniform, including the game-winner in the 70th minute.
"I am proud of the character the players showed today," said head coach Robert McCourt. "We beat a talented team on the road in a very tough match. I thought our quality in style of play shown through and this was a very exciting game."
Puranen put the Hawks on top with the match's initial goal when he deflected a Max Hamilton (Medford, N.J. /Shawnee) pass beyond AU keeper Matt Makowski from short range in the third minute. Hamilton was credited with his first career assist on the play for the Blue and White.
MU took its one goal advantage into the second half where the Eagles, who fall to 2-2 after the loss, found the equalizer in the 56th minute. Eli Dennis headed his first goal of the season in for American off of corner from teammate Jamie Davin.
Monmouth regained the lead for good in the 70th minute when Puranen, after an initial shot and save off of a corner, put the rebound passed Makowski for the eventual game-winner. Senior Chase Barbieri (Hillsborough, N.J. /Hillsborough) gave the Blue and White an insurance tally in the 82nd minute when he scored his first goal of the season, and the 19th of his career, off a deflection. On the play, senior captain Anthony Vazquez (Belford, N.J. /Middletown North [St. John's]) was credited with his first career assist.
MU keeper and Hermann Award Watch List member Bryan Meredith (Scotch Plains, N.J. /Scotch Plains-Fanwood) made six saves to earn the win. The senior improved to 4-0 on the season and 34-5-6 in his two-plus seasons as the starter in net for the Hawks.
The Blue and White outshot AU 17-14 in the match while each side had six corner kicks.
Monmouth returns to action on Friday when it visits in-state rival Seton Hall at 3:00 pm.
