Monmouth University Athletics

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Freshman Brady Orendac's first career goal helped the Monmouth University men's soccer team secure a 1-1 tie with No. 15 Hofstra University on Saturday night in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. 

Hofstra held a 9-5 edge in shots in the match, but the Hawks made their shot on goal count as Orendac connected. 

"Tonight was a hard-fought CAA match against a very good Hofstra program," said head coach Robert McCourt. "I'm really proud of my guys as they dug their heels in and battled for a full 90 minutes. Hopefully we can continue this trend moving forward."

Hofstra applied the early pressure and scored in the sixth minute of the match. Lewis Matton took the first shot of the contest and the rebound landed on the foot of Bastian Carlman, who scored on the shot. 

Carlman had a chance to extend the Hofstra lead at 13:12 but sophomore Herman Johnsen came up with a big stop for the Hawks.

Monmouth drew even at the 18-minute mark. On a free kick junior Jasen Bottini put the ball into the middle of the box. Freshman Eric Palei quickly found the feet of Orendac, who turned around and fired a quick shot into the lower left corner of the net for the goal.
The Hawks and Pride battled over the final 27 minutes of the first half but neither team was able to get a shot off. Hofstra had three corner kicks but that was it. 

The two sides went into the break tied at 1-1.

Johnsen opened the second half with a big stop for the Hawks in the 51st minute and kept the match tied up.

Senior Raul Garcia fired off a pair of shots in the 54th minute but the first was blocked and the second went wide right.

The two sides continued to battle and trade shots but neither side was able to convert their opportunities. The Monmouth defense and midfield units did a nice job of breaking up several scoring chances by the Pride.

The game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 tie.

Johnsen made three saves to help the Hawks secure the tie. Milo Risenhoover did not make a save for Hofstra.

Orendac is the first freshman to score a goal this season for the Hawks. Bottini's assist on the goal was his second of the season, tying him for the team lead with sophomore Tommy Damiano. Palei's assist was the first point of his collegiate career. 

Sophomore Damian Taraska made his first appearance of the season and helped lock down the defensive efforts while playing a full 90 minutes.

The Hawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 19 when they visit Northeastern for a 6:00 p.m. match.
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