WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – For the first time in program history, the Monmouth University men's soccer team defeated Big East opponent St. John's by a score of 1-0 in its season opener on Thursday night. The Red Storm, who made the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, had received votes in the United Soccer Coaches' preseason poll while being ranked No. 25 in TopDrawerSoccer's preseason rankings.
Ben Zakowski scored the lone goal of the evening for the Hawks with just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half. A shot by freshman
Patrick Osiecki was saved but not fully corralled by the St. John's goalkeeper, allowing Zakowski to capitalize on the rebound opportunity and send the ball into the back of the net as he was sliding down towards the turf.
Redshirt sophomore
Eryk Dymora made the first appearance and start of his career in goal, posting a clean sheet.
NOTES
-It was the first time Monmouth and St. John's met on the pitch since the 2006 NCAA Tournament
-Zakowski's goal was the 14
th of his career
-Dymora, Osiecki,
Will Horn, and
Kristian Loenvig each made their collegiate debuts
-
Olle Brorsson,
Gabe Dahlin, and
Santi Martinez-Sanchez made their first appearances as Hawks
-The Hawks have now won 10 season-openers under head coach
Robert McCourt
NUMBERS CRUNCH
-St. John's held a narrow advantage in shots, 8-6
-Three of Monmouth's shots were on goal compared to one for St. John's
-The Red Storm picked up six corner kicks while Monmouth earned two
-St. John's was credited with two saves with Monmouth posting one
UP NEXT
Monmouth is slated to travel to Howard University for a match on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
