(OT)
Iona Gaels (11-5-1, 6-3-1 MAAC) – 1
Monmouth Hawks (3-12-2, 3-6-1 MAAC) – 2
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ  – After scoring the equalizer in the 62^nd minute, freshman Ben Zakowski (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) scored the game-winning penalty kick in overtime to propel the Monmouth University men's soccer team over Iona, 2-1.
 
The Gaels opened the scoring in the 24^th minute, as a midfielder took a shot from just outside the 18 that found the back of the net.
 
Just over 15 minutes into the second half, Zakowski took a feed from junior Anes Mrkulic (Highlands, NJ/Gill St. Bernard's) made a defender miss, and took a left-footed strike that soared to the upper left corner.
 
The teams went to extra time after being knotted at 1-1. In the 98^th minute, sophomore Liam McGregor (Middletown, NJ/Middletown North) was taken down in the box and the Hawks were awarded a penalty kick.
 
Zakowski stepped up and placed it to the left side for the win. The freshman ends his first year leading the team with seven goals, which are the most in a single season since 2010 (Ryan Kinne, 12).
 
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Sean Murray (Fanwood, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) compiled a season-high 10 saves in the win, which were one off his career high.
 
The Hawks end the season on a two-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 6-2.  
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
 
"We've played a lot of young guys and new guys this season. Tonight we found a way to win, so I was happy with that. The potential moving forward for the group is high. They showed their character tonight and I was really proud of them." - Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt
 
-Iona placed four shots on goal early, but Murray made four stops including multiple on the doorstep.
-The Gaels eventually broke through in the 24^th minute, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal from Edad Mackic.
-Murray made another three saves in the first ten minutes of the second half to keep it a 1-0 deficit.
-In the 62^nd minute, Mrkulic played a through ball up to Zakowski, who gathered it in the box. He made a move to his left and sent a left footed rocket to the upper corner.
-The Gaels had eight shots after that, but only two were on goal, and the game went to overtime.
-In the 97^th minute, Iona placed a header on frame after a corner kick, but it was once again saved by Murray.
-McGregor broke through less than a minute later, and was fouled in the box. Zakowski buried the penalty kick for the win.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
-All seven of Zakowski's goals this season have come in the last eight games. He led the team with 15 points.
-Zakowski has the most goals for a Monmouth freshman since 2003 (Steven Holloway, 7).  
-Mrkulic registered his second assist of the season, and third of his career.
-Murray now has 159 saves in 34 career games (4.67 per game).
-Sophomore Robin Oswald, junior Pablo Fonseca, and Mrkulic all added shots on goal.
-Redshirt junior John Antunes and Fonseca were the only two players to start all 17 games this season. Fonseca led the Hawks with 1604 total minutes.
-Eight different Hawks scored a goal this season, including four newcomers.
-McCourt's record at Monmouth now stands at 162-96-54, including 85-41-29 in conference play.