Rochester, NY – A failed clear for an own goal in the third minute turned out to be the difference as Montclair State slipped past Union, 1-0 in the Flower City Classic at University of Rochester on Friday afternoon.

Goalkeeper ALYSON BURNS made four saves in posting a shutout for the Red Hawks (1-0), who won their season opener for the first time in three years (2013). It is the second straight season MSU edged the Dutchwomen by a one goal having won 2-1 in overtime in Schenectady in 2015.

The only score of the game came 2:09 in. Montclair's RYELLE SANSONE carried the ball down right wing and cut towards goal. As teammates rushed into the box, Sansone lined a cross parallel to the edge of the crease where a Union defender tried to clear the ball past the post and surrender the corner. However the ball was mis-hit, and wound up driving it inside the right post for an own goal.

The Red Hawks tried adding to the lead with 10:40 left in first half. Montclair's EMILY BEENDERS took two steps into the box and fired a rising shot that was deflected by Union goalie Erica Matteo who then scooped up the loose ball.

With just over a minute to play in the first half, ASHLEY KOESTER tried a shot in heavy traffic in the box with Matteo down. The goalie tipped it away and the defense scrambled it out of the box.

Union did get a little wind in its sails for about 10 minutes in the middle of the period. Dutchwomen earned three corner kicks  - all taken by Keriann Mackey. Two of them produced a bit of danger in the box with one shot glancing wide of the right post and another one palmed out of danger by Burns.

Matteo would make made a couple of good saves in the second half, including a sprawling save on a shot by JENNIE HORNSTRA  with about 15 minutes left to keep the deficit at 1-0.

The Red Hawks close out action in the Flower City Classic on Saturday, September 3 against the host Yellowjackets at 1:30 pm.