WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – A three-goal first half propelled the Monmouth men's soccer team to a 4-2 home MAAC win over Canisius on Saturday at Hesse Field on the Great Lawn.
 
Three different Hawks (7-3-2, 5-0 MAAC) scored in the opening stanza against the Golden Griffins (1-9-2, 1-4 MAAC). Ben Zakowski continued his torrid stretch by dishing out an assist and scoring once in the first 45 minutes of action.
 
Bastian Hatcher and Jonas Lyshoj also chipped in offensively with a goal apiece, while Griffin Tomas, Luke McBeth and Nick Rogers each tallied an assist in the home win.  
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
"I was very happy with the boy's composure and resolve today. Canisius is a very difficult opponent to play against. We are excited to start the second half of the MAAC regular season on Wednesday."
-Head Coach Rob McCourt
 
-Hatcher and Lyshoj both scored their first collegiate goals.
-Zakowski tallied his third goal and handed out his fifth helper of the season.
-The junior now has eight points in his last three outings (two goals, four assists).
-McBeth, Rogers and Tomas each recorded their second assists of the season.

NUMBERS CRUNCH
-Monmouth is 5-0 to start MAAC play for the first time since the 2007 season.
-The Hawks tied the program record for most consecutive wins to open conference action.
-It's the Hawks' longest regular season conference win streak since the 2013 team won six straight.
-With the win, the Hawks are now 4-4 all-time opposite Canisius.
-Monmouth outshot Canisius 17-7 and held an 11-2 advantage in corners.
 
UP NEXT
-The Hawks will remain in West Long Branch and welcome Marist on Wednesday night for a 7 p.m. conference match.