FINAL SCORE
Monmouth 1 (4-3-1, 2-1-1 CAA)
Hofstra 0 (4-4-0, 2-1-0 CAA)
 
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Raul Garcia scored in the 84th minute to back a strong performance from Herman Johnsen in goal and helped the Monmouth University men's soccer team earn a 1-0 win at Hofstra University in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play Saturday night. 
 
The first half was a battle between the Hawks and Pride. Hofstra got off several shots early but the Monmouth defense was up to the challenge. Herman Johnsen stopped the only shot put on goal in the first 45 minutes which sent the two sides into the half knotted at 0-0.
 
Johnsen came up with another save in the 48th minute as he punched a ball up and over the crossbar which kept the Pride off the board.
 
The Monmouth defensive unit was credited with a team save in the 50th minute.
 
A pair of saves from Johnsen in the 78th and 79th minutes proved crucial for the Hawks. 
 
The Hawks broke through at 83:10 as Garcia brought the ball into the box on the near side. Garcia briefly passed it off to Marcin Kluz, who gave it right back to Garcia who fired a shot across the box for the goal.
 
Hofstra got off one more shot but it was off target and Monmouth claimed the victory.

NOTES AND QUOTES
"What a great day to be a Hawk. Hofstra is a top program. Today was a big time character win. The team continues to grow game-by-game."
        - Head coach Robert McCourt

- It was the ninth meeting all-time between the Hawks and Hofstra. Hofstra holds a 6-2-1 advantage in the series, but Monmouth has won each of the last two meetings.
- The Hawks move to 4-1 on the road this season. It is Monmouth's most road wins since the 2021 season.
- Raul Garcia's goal was his first as a Hawk and first since last year at Governors State.
- Monmouth secured its first shutout of the season and first since the Hawks beat Elon, 1-0 last year on Oct. 19.
- Marcin Kluz picked up his first career assist.
- Marco Pantano made the first start of his career on defense.

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Hofstra held a 19-8 advantage in shots for the contest. The Pride put six shots on goal to Monmouth's one.  
- Hofstra finished with a 7-6 edge in corner kicks for the game.
- Herman Johnsen made four saves to earn the win in goal for the Hawks. Monmouth's defense was also credited with a team save. 
- Gino Cervoni finished with no saves in the loss for the Pride.

UP NEXT
-Monmouth returns home to host Temple on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. That match will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia and FloCollege.