Montclair, NJ - Freshman OSCAR SANCHEZ scored in the 89th minute to lead the Montclair State men's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Rowan University in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship match Saturday.
 
The top-seeded Red Hawks (16-4-1) won their eighth NJAC Championship in the tournament era, and have claimed three of the last four NJAC titles and their 13th overall crown. Montclair State clinched the NJAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship that begins next weekend. The Red Hawks will learn their NCAA opponent during a webcast on ncaa.com at 1:30 p.m. Monday. MSU will be making their 19th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
 
In a physical battle, the Red Hawks had the first big opportunity in the 18th minute. After a foul, BROGAN QUIGLEY had his attempt from in close behind by the Profs (11-5-2) goalkeeper. Midway through the opening half, Montclair had a trio of chances that were thwarted by the Rowan defensive core. Rowan was reduced to 10 men in the 40th minute, as Kevin Primich was sent off for receiving his second yellow. The Profs had the final four shots of the half, but none were unable to reach the goal.
 
The visiting Profs held an 11-7 edge in shots over the first 45 minutes, with the Red Hawks attempting four of the six corner kicks.
 
JOE BIANCO and MICHAEL KNAPP had back-to-back shots on goal early in the second stanza, but goalkeeper James Weinberg was there to make both saves. Rowan, despite being down a player, nearly broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Jay Vandermark had his shot hit the crossbar and bounce straight down but did not break the goal-line to keep the score tied at zero.
 
In the 67th minute, Rowan appeared to have found the go-ahead goal but was whistled for being offside. As time ticked away, senior NIXON SOGLO got past the Profs backline and rifled a shot that Weinberg was able to deflect away.
 
Chad Yates took a shot in the 88th minute that was blocked, and the Red Hawks came down on a counter-attack. Senior COLIN MULLIGAN weaved into the 18-yard box, and his initial shot deflected. The rebound came right to Sanchez, who slipped a low ball that grazed the Weinberg's outstretched arm and gave MSU the 1-0 lead. The defensive unit did the rest, holding Rowan shot-less for the remainder of the game.
 
Knapp led the Red Hawks with five shots, while Soglo added three off the bench. Junior MICHAEL MEJIA made two saves to earn the victory. Modou Sowe, Jake Logar, and Matt Hendrickson all had three shots for Rowan, with Weinberg making seven saves.