MEN’S SOCCER STUNS HARTFORD WITH LATE GOAL

HARTFORD, CT – With the game tied at one in the 88thminute, sophomore Santo Arena scored the game-winning goal from midfield to propel the Monmouth University men's soccer team over Hartford on Tuesday night, 2-1. Arena caught the goalkeeper off guard, sending the long distance shot over his head and into the upper left side of the net. Hartford opened up the scoring in the first half, but Monmouth freshman Michael Neff tied the game in the 67th minute on the assist from senior Zachary Pereira. Redshirt freshman Sean Murray earned his second career win, making three saves in net. The Hawks improve to 2-4-1 on the season, and will open MAAC play on Wednesday, September 26 against Manhattan. NOTES AND QUOTES "Tonight was a very entertaining college soccer game. Both teams has some good moments, but I don't think anything could top Santo's sublime finish to win the game for us. We're now looking forward to conference play next week." - Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt -Hartford scored the game's first goal in the 36th minute, as Jordan Koduah volleyed home a cross from the sideline. The home team took the 1-0 lead into halftime. -Monmouth needed just over 21 minutes into the second half to tie the game, as Neff took the feed from Pereira to score the equalizer. -Both teams had some opportunities to take the lead in the next stage of the game, including junior George Akampeke's25-yard blast that sailed just high in the 76th minute. -Later, Akampeke's timely tackle in the 88th minute allowed Arena to gather the ball and strike it over the goalie's head from just past midfield for the win. NUMBERS CRUNCH -After tallying two assists in his freshman season, Arena scored his first career goal. -Neff scored his first collegiate goal in his third career game and second career shot. -Pereira's assist gives him 21 career points (8 G, 5 A). He leads the team with three points this season. -Redshirt freshman Alex Hajj started for the second consecutive match. -After going 0-8-1 on the road last season, Monmouth has earned two wins away from home in 2018. UP NEXT Monmouth will host Manhattan next Wednesday, September 26 for the conference opener. The match will be broadcasted on ESPN3 at 7:00 PM.