FINAL SCORE
Monmouth 1 (3-0-2)
La Salle 0 (1-3-1)
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Patrick Osiecki's first half goal proved to be the difference maker as the Monmouth University men's soccer team defeated La Salle University 1-0 on Tuesday night. The Hawks remain unbeaten (3-0-2) with the win.
 
The first 20 minutes of the contest were a back-and-forth battle that saw both teams have their chances. 
 
The Hawks broke through in the 21st minute as Monmouth brought the ball up the far side of the field. Jakob Friedman and Bastian Hatcher connected on a couple of passes that landed the ball at the feet of Osiecki. He fired home a laser for the 1-0 lead. 
 
Monmouth continued to apply the pressure, firing off three shots in the next five minutes but the Hawks were unable to convert. 
 
The Explorers got off two shots in the final 15 minutes of the period, but Eryk Dymora turned one away and the other was off target. Monmouth carried its 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
 
La Salle took the first four shots of the second half but was unable to convert any of them. Monmouth responded with several shots of their own that sailed just high.
 
The two teams continued to battle over the final 30 minutes but neither side was able to connect on a goal as Monmouth claimed the 1-0 victory. 

NOTES AND QUOTES
"It was a fantastic effort from the entire group tonight. We created a good amount of scoring opportunities and kept a clean sheet."
 – Monmouth Men's Soccer Head Coach Robert McCourt 
 
- Monmouth remained unbeaten in 2024 with the win. The Hawks are unbeaten through five matches for the first time since 2012.
- All three of the Hawks' wins this season have come via a shutout. 
- The Hawks moved to 6-7-2 all-time against La Salle. Monmouth has won three of the last four match-ups with the Explorers.
- Patrick Osiecki scored his third goal of the season and second game-winner of the year. 
- Jakob Friedman's assist was his team-leading fourth of the season. Friedman is currently tied for second in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) for assists. 
- Bastian Hatcher's assist secured his first point of the season.
- Eryk Dymora has three shutouts this season and 16 for his career. 

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Monmouth held a 13-9 advantage in shots in the contest. Each team placed two shots on goal.
- The Hawks took seven of the 11 corner kicks in the contest. 
- Eryk Dymora made two saves to secure the win in goal.
- Valentin Kneis made one save in the loss for the Explorers.

UP NEXT
-Monmouth resumes CAA play on Saturday, Sept. 14 when it travels to Campbell for a 2 p.m. match.