Montclair State University Athletics

Montclair, NJ – Powered by a trio of first half goals, the Montclair State University Men's Soccer team pushed past Western Connecticut 3-0 on Sunday night at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (6-2-0) scored on the game's first opportunity in the sixth minute, as CARLOS BEDOYA played a ball over the top of the defense along the near touch line to a surging JOSH VIRGIL. The winger won possession, moved towards the edge of the box, and slotted a pass across to TYLER DIAZ, who rocketed a one-time right-footed shot into the back of the net from the top of the 18.
• Montclair doubled its advantage in the 13th minute, as TOMAS MONTEIRO held possession of the ball on the edge of the box and played it back to Bedoya off a throw-in. The defender ripped a low cross from the near corner of the field into the box that was flicked in by a surging KENET LOPEZ. The first shot attempt of the contest for the visitors didn't come until the 29th minute, as the Red Hawks held a 8-1 advantage through the game's opening half hour.
• In the 35th minute, a pair of Montclair substitutes helped generate the game's final goal, as ROBBY DASLER made a run with the ball through a few defenders on the far side of the field and notched a feed to KYLE MOORE just outside of the box The midfielder tucked a one-touch pass to a cutting JAKE WINCHOCK towards goal, who sent a left-footed attempt past the keeper to the far post. The only attempt on frame of the opening half for the Wolves came shortly after, as PIERRE SOUMEILLANT parried the ball away towards the lower left post. 
• Both defenses tightened up in the second half, with Western Connecticut stooping a trio of shots on goal from the Red Hawks in the beginning moments. The visitors began to find looks on the opposite side of the pitch, tallying a pair of shots in the 61st minute and another three minutes after. Soumeillant collected the only other shot on goal for the Wolves in the 71st minute, as they recorded six attempts over the final 20 minutes of the contest. None were on frame, however, as the Red Hawks were able to seal a clean sheet victory.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• The goal for Diaz was his second of his collegiate career, with Virgil picking up his second assist in three games.
• Lopez notched his first goal of the year and fourth during his Montclair tenure. Bedoya is tied for third in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with four assists, as the defender has recorded a goal contribution in three-straight games.
• Monteiro registered his third assist of the season and second in as many games. The striker has 10 goal contributions through eight contests, the most in the NJAC.
• Winchock's goal was the second of his career and first since 2024, with Moore picking up his third assist of the season and fifth of his two-year Montclair career. The assist for Dasler marked the first of his freshman campaign.
• Soumeillant collected a pair of saves and his fifth victory in goal for the Red Hawks this season, along with his first 90-minute shutout. 
• Montclair held a 18-14 advantage in shots, including a 6-2 mark on goal. The Red Hawks have allowed just 22 shots on goal all season and just five goals to go along with four clean sheets.

FROM THE FIELD

"Happy to get a solid result against a good opponent. We were able to create scoring chances early to jump out in front, and we did not allow many attempts on goal defensively. We'll look ahead to a full week of training after a busy stretch to prepare for another challenge on Saturday." - Head Coach Todd Tumelty

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will continue their season-long four game homestand on Saturday, September 26 against Christopher Newport. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 5:00 PM.