#6 Monmouth Hawks (5-2-1) – 1
#1 Quinnipiac Bobcats (7-2-0) - 0
 
HAMDEN, CT – An 86^th minute goal from sophomore Julian Gomez (Fairview, NJ/St. Benedict's) propelled the Monmouth University men's soccer team to a MAAC Championship at No. 1 Quinnipiac, 1-0.
 
Sophomore Nick Rogers (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock/Connecticut College) received a pass just outside of the 18, made a move around two defenders, and sent a cross to the far post. Gomez dove and gave Monmouth the win with the header.
 
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Sean Murray (Fanwood, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) notched his fourth shutout of the season, lowering his goals against average to 0.96.
 
Monmouth's record improves to 5-2-1 on the season. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for this Monday, April 19 at noon.  
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
 
"This was an amazing championship. The team stayed so committed throughout it all. The odds were against us, and we were true road warriors this year. The guys never complained about the miles on the bus, they just stayed focus and played as a team. I'm just so happy to see these guys get the reward." – Monmouth head coach Robert McCourt
 
"This championship means everything. We all stayed together as a group, worked hard, and fought through a lot of adversity. This is the reward, winning the MAAC. We'll keep working hard and get ready for the NCAA Tournament."  - Sophomore forward Julian Gomez
 
-Monmouth nearly took the lead in the 32^nd minute, but a Sebastian Rodriguez deflection on a cross from Gomez hit the crossbar.
-The teams went into halftime scoreless.
-In the 68^th minute, Zakowski dribbled through multiple defenders and placed a dangerous cross near the six, where Gomez got a shot off that was saved.
-Nearly six minutes later, McGregor played a long ball up the middle. Zakowski ran onto it and nearly chipped it in, but the goalkeeper got a hand on it.
-With less than five minutes to play in regulation, Rogers took on two defenders and sent a cross to the far post. A Quinnipiac defender got a piece of it, but Gomez continued his run to the far post and found the back of the net for the game-winning header.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
-Monmouth wins its seventh conference tournament championship in program history. McCourt wins his sixth as head coach.
-The Hawks advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
-Gomez scored for the fifth straight game. He was named MAAC Championship MVP.
-Rogers registered his first assist of the season.
-Murray lowered his goals against average to 1.09 this season, the lowest of his career.
-Monmouth played its sixth road game out of eight contests this season. The Hawks defeated the #3, #2, and #1 seeds for the trophy.
-The Hawks had a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal.
-MU has won four straight games heading into the NCAA Tournament.
 
UP NEXT
The Hawks await their next opponent for the first round of the NCAA Championships.