Montclair State University Athletics

Montclair, NJ – The #19 Montclair State University Men's Soccer team battled #3 Rowan to a 2-2 draw in a clash of the New Jersey Athletic Conference's top two teams on Wednesday night at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (11-2-2, 3-0-2 NJAC) took the lead on the night's opening shot in the eighth minute, as KENET LOPEZ played the ball over the top of Rowan's outside back along the near touch line to a running JOSH VIRGIL. The winger gathered possession, broke towards the end line in the box, and slid a ball across the center of goal to TOMAS MONTEIRO, who flicked a shot into the back of the net. Neither side recorded another shot attempt until the 22nd minute, as the Red Hawks blocked Rowan's first attempt out for a corner kick that they would eventually clear. There were only two shots throughout the remainder of the stanza, as Montclair took the one-goal advantage into the break.
• Rowan notched their first attempt on frame in the 60th minute, as PIERRE SOUMEILLANT recorded a stop to keep the lead intact for the Red Hawks. The visitors would level three minutes later, however, as a foul in the box led to a penalty kick that was converted by the Profs. Less than four minutes later, Montclair gained an opportunity of their own after ROBBY DASLER was taken down in the box. SEBASTIAN LAPCZYNSKI stepped up and slotted a penalty kick attempt towards the left post to push the home side back in front.
• Neither team allowed a shot until the 84th minute, as IVAN GARCIA recorded an attempt that went out just right of goal. In the final minute, Rowan found the equalizer again, as they took advantage of a clear attempt, winning possession, and playing the ball back towards the edge of the 18-yard box on the near side. An entry feed found a head in the box, as Rowan flicked the ball towards frame where a shot was tucked past the keeper to end the night with both sides level at two.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Monteiro recorded his NJAC-leading 12th goal of the campaign, with Virgil picking up his fifth assist to rank third on the team.
• Lapczynski's goal marked his second in as many games and fourth of the year to move into sole possession of third on the team. He remains a perfect 8-for-8 from the penalty spot for his collegiate career.
• Montclair held a 9-4 advantage in shots, allowing just one in the first half. The Red Hawks have conceded five or fewer total shots in nine of their 15 games this season.

FROM THE FIELD

"Another tough NJAC test tonight against strong competition. I was happy with the way we started the game to take the lead early. I thought we also defended well throughout the night. Tough way to end the game, but we will refocus and be ready for another game at home on Saturday night." - Head Coach Todd Tumelty

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will remain home to face Ramapo on Saturday, October 17. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7:00 PM.