QUEENS, N.Y. – A second half goal proved to be the difference maker as St. John's University battled for a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Monmouth University men's soccer team on Tuesday evening.Â
The defensive units led the way for much of the match as the two teams combined for just 13 shots in the game and just one on goal. The Red Storm had a slim 7-6 edge in the shots category.
"The boys played very well tonight," said head coach
Robert McCourt. "St. John's is one of the storied programs in men's soccer. We can take a lot from this game."
St. John's put two shots on the board in the first 10 minutes of the contest but one went high and the other was blocked.Â
Herman Johnsen came off his line to make a jumping grab on a ball and break up a Red Storm chance around the 31:19 mark.
Monmouth's best offensive chance of the half came at 37:31 as
Brendan Tansey made a run on goal but his shot was blocked.
The two teams went into the half tied at 0-0.
Johnsen made a strong play to start the second half as he again came off his line and grabbed a ball to disrupt the play.
St. John's was able to break on to the board in the 68th minute as Issa Atcha Yaya made a run into the box and got a ball up and over a sliding Johnsen for the goal.Â
Jasen Bottini took a free kick at 68:31 that sailed just high for the Hawks.Â
Bottini had another chance in the 74th minute that went just over the crossbar for the Hawks.Â
Monmouth got a late shot from
Leo Zonta but could not find the equalizer as St. John's claimed the 1-0 win.
Neither
Herman Johnsen or Nico Bezama recorded a save in the contest for their respective side.
Bottini led the Monmouth offensive efforts with two shots in the match.
Marco Pantano came off the bench and played a season-high 53 minutes and was part of a strong defensive effort.Â
The defensive unit of Pantano, Zonta,
Damian Taraska,
Eric Palei and
Tommy Damiano held St. John's to just seven shots when the Red Storm average 13.5 shots per game.
The Hawks are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 10 when they host Northeastern at 7 p.m.
*****
To follow along with everything Hawks Athletics follow @muhawks on Instagram and @MonmouthHawks on X and Facebook. To keep up with Men's Soccer follow @monmouthsoccer on Instagram, X and Facebook.
