Box Score Montclair, NJ – The top-seeded Montclair State University women's soccer team edged the fifth-seeded NJCU 2-1 on Tuesday night in the 2025 New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinals at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (13-0-5) saw an early point-blank scoring opportunity in the 10th minute, as CARLY GUZZARDO sprung SAMIRA LUKOVIC with a ball over the top of the back line. The Gothic Knights keeper came off her line and parried away the one-on-one chance. Montclair outshot NJCU 5-1 over the next 15 minutes, including another shot on goal from Lukovic.
• In the 27th minute, MACKENZIE ALBERT wove through defenders and surged towards goal on the near side of the field. After she cut to the right and made a run towards the end line, she clipped a centering pass to KYLIE PRENDERGAST at the far post, who ripped a shot into the back of the net to put the home side in front. SALANGE BELL tallied a save in the waning moments of the half to preserve the lead going into the break.
• Eight minutes into the second half, the Red Hawks doubled their advantage off a set piece. Guzzardo served an in-swinging corner kick from the near side of the field that was flicked by Lukovic to Prendergast once again towards the back post. The striker settled the ball and rocketed a shot past the keeper for her second goal of the night.
• NJCU cut into the deficit in the 74th minute on a ball played in from a set piece from the near side of the field that was immediately headed in from the back post. The Red Hawks tightened up defensively over the remainder of the night, not allowing a shot to seal the postseason victory.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• The Red Hawks have advanced in the NJAC Tournament in eight of the last nine seasons, making their second consecutive Championship Game and third over the last four campaigns.
• Montclair extended its unbeaten streak to 18 games, its longest to open a season since 2013.
• Prendergast surpassed 100 points for her career with her third brace of the season, pushing her season total to an NJAC-leading 14. She has recorded a goal contribution in each of Montclair's last nine games. 
• Albert tallied her fifth assist of the year, her fifth goal contribution over her last seven appearances. Lukovic has recorded an assist in back-to-back games, with Guzzardo pushing her team-leading total to eight.
• Bell accumulated four saves in net for the Red Hawks, her fourth career postseason start over her first two seasons.
• Montclair outshot NJCU 14-8, with a slim 6-5 edge in shots on goal. 

FROM THE FIELD

"That was a classic NJAC semifinal, we knew NJCU would be difficult to beat and they were excellent in the second half. I am ecstatic to be in the NJAC final and we know that this is a massive opportunity!" - Head Coach Pat Naughter

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will host the second-seeded Rowan for the 2025 NJAC Championship on Friday, November 7. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7:00 PM.