WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth women's soccer team fell to Charleston in its CAA opener on Thursday, 4-0.
The Cougars took a 1-0 lead after 45 minutes and exploded for three quick goals in the second half, earning a victory over the Hawks in the first CAA contest of the season for both squads.
Both teams traded early chances, each trading shots on goal in the opening five minutes. The Cougars broke through first in the 12th minute, putting a shot past Tallulah Miller into the upper right corner to take a 1-0 lead.
The rest of the first half was played primarily in the midfield, with both defensive lines limiting scoring chances. Chloe Messer was able to put two headers on net, forcing a pair of saves, while the Cougars did not register a shot on goal after their early score.
A spectacular save from Miller kept Monmouth within a goal early in the second half, but after a stretch of steady pressure, the Cougars were able to draw a penalty kick. Bella Antonio converted from the dot, her second score of the game, to double Charleston's advantage, 2-1.
The Cougars scored two more goals just 38 seconds apart to take a commanding 4-0 lead with just over 25 minutes remaining.
Head Coach Kylee Flynn Postgame:
"All the credit to Charleston for their efforts tonight. They capitalized on our mishaps and put the game out of reach for us. This was a gut check for us as a group. We will take away many lessons from these unfortunate 90 minutes as we need to be better, from the top down. The good thing is that there is still a lot of soccer to be played. We must respond and get ready for Sunday."
Notes:
- With the loss, the Hawks fall to 0-1 in conference play. Charleston improves to 1-0.
- Monmouth and Charleston are now tied 1-1 in the all-time series, with each team winning on the road.
- Midfielders Chloe Messer and Emily De Almeida each had a team-best three shots.
- Defender Cadi Hoke was the only Hawk, other than goalie Tallulah Miller, to play all 90 minutes. Hoke has played every minute of the last eight games, the longest streak on the team.
By the Numbers:
- Charleston won the shot battle, 16-12. The Cougars had seven shots on goal, the Hawks had four.
- Charleston had nine corner kicks, Monmouth had two
Up Next:
- The Hawks will return to action on Sunday to take on UNCW. Kickoff from Hesse Field is set for 1 p.m. on Flo Sports
