FINAL SCORE
Monmouth 2 (6-3-4, 3-1-2 CAA)
Northeastern 1 (3-6-4, 1-3-3 CAA)
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – A strong second-half showing lifted the Monmouth University men's soccer team to a 2-1 comeback win over Northeastern University in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play on a rainy Saturday night. 
 
Both teams had their chances early in this one, combining for three shots in the first 12 minutes. 
 
It was Northeastern, who took the early lead in this one with a goal at 36:58. The Huskies took advantage of a free kick, which led to a Mathias Hille goal. 
 
Eryk Dymora made a big stop late but Northeastern took the 1-0 lead into the break. 
 
Northeastern applied the pressure early in the second half but a couple of big stops from Dymora kept it a 1-0 game. 
 
Monmouth got the equalizer at 54:13 on a corner kick. Erik Reis put the ball in play, and it found Gabe Dahlin in the box. Dahlin was able to head a ball just inside the far post for the goal and the tie. 
 
The two teams continued to battle and in the 74th minute, Monmouth got the go-ahead goal. After a foul on the Huskies, Ben Zakowski ripped the free kick into the upper corner of the net for a 2-1 lead. 
 
Dymora made three more big saves as Monmouth secured the 2-1 win. 
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
"That was a big three points. The game was back and forth. The character within our group continues to be amazing. We are excited to get back to work on Monday."
 – Monmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Robert McCourt
 
- Monmouth improves to 2-0 all-time against Northeastern with the win.  
- The three-points for the win moved Monmouth into a tie for third place in the CAA standings with two conference games remaining. The Hawks are just one point back of second place.  
- Gabe Dahlin's goal was the first of his Monmouth career and his second overall (Monmouth-1, Bucknell-1).
- Ben Zakowkski's goal was his 10th of the season and 30th of his career. Zakowski is the 12th player in school history to score at least 10 goals in a season and the first since Ryan Kinne in 2010. Zakowski is also the fifth player in school history to score 30 or more goals. 
- Monmouth improved to 5-1-2 at home on the year, the Hawks have their most home wins since 2017. 
- Erik Reis picked up his team-leading third assist of the season on Dahlin's goal. 
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Northeastern had a 15-7 advantage in shots in the game. The Huskies took eight of the game's 13 shots on goal.
- Monmouth had a 6-4 edge in corner kicks in the match, including all five of the game's corner kicks in the first half. 
- Eryk Dymora made a career-high seven saves in the contest while Gregor Shaw made three stops for Northeastern. 

UP NEXT
-Monmouth is back in action on Friday, Oct. 20 when it travels to CAA leader, Stony Brook for a 1 p.m. match.