Opening Win for the Hawks
Monmouth University’s men’s soccer squad opened its Coastal Athletic Association campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Drexel University on Tuesday night. The win marks the Hawks’ first triumph in the conference opener and breaks a three‑match unbeaten run by the Dragons in recent meetings.
The decisive moment arrived in the 38th minute when sophomore forward Jasen Bottini found the back of the net with a low strike from inside the box. His effort not only gave Monmouth the lead but also extended his personal record to three goals in two career appearances against Drexel.
Despite being outshot 13‑10, Drexel struggled to convert any of its four shots on target, a testament to the Hawks’ disciplined defensive shape. Goalkeeper Herman Johnsen produced a crucial save at the 76‑minute mark, preserving the lead after a late surge from the Dragons.
Head coach Robert McCourt praised his team’s composure under pressure, noting that the result reflects the character and resilience he has been cultivating throughout the season. ‘We stayed focused, kept fighting for each other, and that’s what earned us the three points,’ McCourt said after the final whistle.
Drexel applied early pressure, forcing two early attempts that drifted wide in the opening five minutes, but the Hawks settled into a rhythm that limited the Dragons’ chances.
Freshman defender Eric Palei earned his first career start on the back line, while fellow rookie Brady Orendac recorded his maiden point by assisting Bottini’s goal. The pairing of young talent and seasoned veterans proved pivotal in controlling the midfield.
Monmouth’s improved record now stands at 2‑0‑2 in its last four contests against Drexel, snapping the Dragons’ streak of three consecutive ties in conference openers. A final shot by Rokas Jarusevicius in the closing 30 seconds was comfortably saved by Drexel’s keeper, sealing the victory.