WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Junior midfielder Francois "Paco" Navarro (Paris,
France/William Carey) scored twice and assisted on a third goal as the Monmouth
University men's soccer team scored three goals in a span of just over six
minutes to defeat a perennially-powerful Big East team in Providence, 3-1, in
front of 1,856 Monday night on The Great Lawn. Edney Derrick (Kumasi,
Ghana/KNUST University) assisted on both of Navarro's goals, while Joseph
Schmid (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) put away a Navarro feed 15 seconds
after the game-tying goal in the 64th minute for the game-winner.
With the win, the Hawks improve to 2-0-0, while the Friars fall to 0-2-0.
"I thought it was a great feeling," said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. "The
crowd support was unbelievable and I think it really lifted our guys when they
really needed to be lifted. We came out and showed a lot of character. We got a
balanced attack and scored three really nice goals."
The Hawks dominated play in the first half to the tune of a 9-2 edge in shots,
but came away down a goal after the first 45 minutes. Anthony Baumann was
awarded a penalty kick in the 37th minute and capitalized on the
opportunity to put Providence on top, 1-0, at the break.
Following 18 scoreless
minutes in the second half, Derrick sent a cross from the goal line in front to
Navarro, who beat Providence goalkeeper Keasel Broom for the equalizer in the
64th minute. Just 15 seconds later, Navarro fed Schmid into the box
before the junior captain beat Broom low inside the right post for the
game-winner at the 63:22 mark.
For good measure, Derrick
sent another beautiful cross from the right corner in front to Navarro in the 70th
minute and again, the Frenchman put it away to ensure the Monmouth victory.
Hawks goalkeeper Alex
Blackburn (Natick, Mass./Natick) picked up the win in net, making two saves.
Broom took the loss, making six saves.
The Hawks dominated play
throughout, taking a 19-7 edge in shots and a 6-4 advantage on corner kicks.
Monmouth returns to action
Friday, when it travels to Lawrenceville, N.J., to face intrastate rival Rider.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Ben Cohen Field.