Montclair, NJ – The #8 Montclair State University men's soccer team surged past The College of New Jersey 3-1 on Saturday night at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (8-2-1, 3-0-0 NJAC) raced out to an early advantage after putting a barrage of shots on goal early. SAMUEL EPITIME ripped a shot on frame in the fourth minute, and Montclair continued to apply pressure, as ALFREDO ROJAS sent a shot in three minutes later that was parried away in the box. The ball fell to the feet of Epitime, who sent a one-timer into the back of the net.
• TCNJ equalized in the 16th minute, as a long throw-in took a deflection into the box, where the ball was gathered and sent in on a turnaround, left-footed shot that curled to the near post.
• The visitors looked for the go-ahead goal, as ALEXANDER VELASQUEZ collected two saves over the next 15 minutes, including a point-blank stop on a quick counterattack from the Lions. 
• Montclair reclaimed the lead in the 35th minute, as OSBIN MENDEZ tucked a low-rolling pass to CHRIS FONTANAZZA, who made a run down the far sideline and slotted in a ball to SALEM ELLISY. The forward collected the ball, turned, and flicked a shot past the TCNJ goalkeeper.
• The Lions were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute on a straight red card following a hard foul at midfield. The Red Hawks doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, as Mendez served in a corner kick from the near side of the field to Fontanazza, who fought through multiple defenders to send a shot into the net.
• Montclair closed the contest with the final six shots, but could not find another score as the margin ended at three for their third consecutive conference victory.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Montclair has opened NJAC play with three consecutive victories for five-straight seasons dating back to 2020.
• The Red Hawks outshot the Lions 22-9 in the contest, including a 9-4 edge in shots on goal.
• Epitime notched his sixth goal of the campaign and second goal contribution in as many games. The goal for Ellisy was his third of the season and third in Montclair's last five games.
• Fontanazza notched his fifth career goal and assist, marking the second time this season he has notched a goal and an assist.
• Mendez notched his team-leading fifth assist. He has tallied a goal contribution in seven contests for Montclair this season.
• Velasquez collected three saves in goal for the Red Hawks.

FROM THE FIELD

"Every NJAC game is a hard fought battle and today was no different. We didn't play our best game overall but the team found a way to get three points." - Head Coach Todd Tumelty

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will open a three-game road swing on Wednesday, October 9, as they travel to face Alvernia. Kickoff from Reading, PA is scheduled for 7:00 PM.