Norton, MA – The #12 Montclair State University men's soccer team fell to Wheaton 2-1 on Friday in their 2024 season opener.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (0-1) started the game strong, recording four of the first five shots, including one on goal from OSBIN MENDEZ. The Lyons struck first in the 21st minute following a long cross from midfield into the box that was settled and fired into the far right corner of the net.
• Montclair made a push to tie the contest with shots on goal from SAMUEL EPITIME and OWEN MURPHY, but Wheaton closed out the first half with the slim lead.
• Wheaton doubled their advantage in the fourth minute of the second half following a centering cross that was sent with a first touch into the right side of the net right in front of goal.
• Following a penalty in the box, Mendez tucked a penalty kick attempt just inside the left post for Montclair's first goal of the campaign. Both sides tightened up defensively, as they combined for one shot over the remaining 30 minutes of the second half.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The goal for Mendez was the second of his Montclair career and first penalty kick attempt. 
• ALEXANDER VELASQUEZ tallied three saves in his collegiate debut in net.
• Montclair held a slight 11-9 edge in shots and tallied 10 corner kicks in the game.

FROM THE FIELD

"It was a wake-up call for our guys today. We got outworked. It is that simple. They wanted to win more than we did. That being said, it is just one game, and I saw a lot of potential going forward." - Head Coach Todd Tumelty

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will conclude their Massachusetts road swing on Sunday, September 1 against Babson. Kickoff from Babson Park, MA is scheduled for 1:00 PM.