FINAL SCORE
Monmouth 2 (5-2-3, 2-0-2 CAA)
College of Charleston 1 (2-2-5, 1-1-2 CAA)
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Chris Morandi's first goal of the season proved to be the difference maker as the Monmouth University men's soccer battled for a 2-1 win over the College of Charleston in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) action on Saturday night. 
 
Monmouth remains unbeaten in CAA play (2-0-2) with the win. 
 
The Hawks got on the board early in this one as the Cougars were called for a handball in the box at 8:40. Ben Zakowski took the penalty kick that was awarded and rocketed the shot into the upper corner of the net closest to the team benches for a 1-0 advantage. 
 
Charleston thought they had the game tied twice in the half but a foul was called on the Cougars which negated the goal. 
 
Just before the half, the Cougars were awarded a penalty kick for a foul in the box. Eryk Dymora punched the ball away and the Hawks carried the 1-0 lead into the break.
 
Both teams had their chances early in the second half but neither was able to capitalize.
 
Monmouth added to its lead in the 74th minute as Kristian Loenvig carried a ball into the box and passed it to Morandi on the side of net closest to the Monmouth bench. Morandi shot one past the diving keeper for the 2-0 advantage. 
 
Charleston got on the board with a goal in the 83rd minute but that was all the visitors would get as Monmouth claimed the 2-1 victory.
 
NOTES AND QUOTES
"Big three points for the boys tonight in an exciting CAA match. Both teams created some good goal scoring chances. We challenged our team to give us a full 90 minutes tonight and they did."
 – Monmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Robert McCourt
 
- The win over the Cougars evened the all-time series between the two schools at 2-2.  
- Ben Zakowski's goal in the first half marked just the second goal of the season for the Hawks in the first 45 minutes of a game. Monmouth has scored 13 of its 15 goals this year after halftime.  
- Monmouth went 4-2-2 in the month of September.
- The Hawks picked up their second CAA win of the season with the victory over the Cougars. That matches their CAA win total from a year ago with four CAA matches to go.
- Ben Zakowski now has three penalty kick goals this season. It's the most penalty kick goals by a Hawk in the last 11 years. 
- Chris Morandi's goal was his first of the season and the fourth of his career. 
- Kristian Loenvig's assist was his first point of the season. 
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Charleston held a 14-13 edge in shots in the contest while both teams put five shots on goal.
- The Cougars had a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks in the game. 
- Eryk Dymora matched his season high with four saves for the Hawks while Eric Wnorowski made three saves for Charleston. 

UP NEXT
-Monmouth is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 7 when it travels to Hofstra for a 7 p.m. game.