San Antonio, TX (10/08/04) - Junior midfielder SEAN HORAN and freshman OWEN NICHOLS each netted a goal as 20th-ranked Montclair State blanked Southwestern University, 2-0, in the first game of the Trinity University National Invitational Tournament on Friday evening.

The Red Hawks (10-1-1) posted their third straight victory - all by shutout - despite being outshot in the contest, 18-7. Junior goalkeeper CHRIS OWEN made eight saves as he recorded his sixth shutout of the season.

Montclair State nearly got on the scoreboard just over a minute into the game as RYAN MORGAN put a shot on goal that was knocked away by a defender before going over the goal line. That play helped keep the game scoreless at the half.

The game remained that way until the 76th minute when Horan blasted a direct kick from 40 yards out past Southwestern goalkeeper Steve Harben for a 1-0 Red Hawk advantage.

Owen then kept Montclair State in front as he made three saves over the final 45 minutes, including a stop on Jose Lauro Davalos' shot with two minutes remaining. MSU then came back to the other end and added an insurance goal as Nichols notched his second goal of the season off an assist from Morgan with 1:17 left.

The Red Hawks continue action in the tournament on Saturday, October 9, as they face top-ranked and defending NCAA Division III national champion, Trinity (TX) at 8:30 pm.