BALTIMORE, Md., August 24, 2019 – The journey back to the national tournament got off on the right foot for the No. 4-ranked Monroe College Mustangs men's soccer team on Saturday, as the Mustangs defeated Harcum College by a score of 9-0 on Saturday at the CCBC-Essex Kickoff Classic. Monroe opens with a 1-0 record, while Harcum falls to 0-1.
 
A pair of newcomers got things started for Monroe, as Markus Maurer and Leon Sitz both scored in the first 10 minutes for an early 2-0 advantage. The Mustangs added another five scores in the first 45 minutes, taking a dominant 7-0 edge into the break. The Mustangs locked down on defense in the second half, picking up two more goals while holding the Bears off the board for the 9-0 victory.
 
Maurer and SItz both finished with a pair of goals apiece in the win, while Sitz added a couple of assists for a six-point day. Luca Erhardt totaled three points with a goal and an assist. Rintaro Takagi, Roque Viegas and Ossama Diaby each netted a goal in the win, while Tobias Pellio added an assist.
 
Oliver Semmle made his first start in net for the Mustangs, making two saves without allowing a score for his first shutout and first win. Ousmane Diakite allowed nine goals and made five saves to take the loss for the Bears.
 
The Mustangs win saw them outshoot Harcum, 22-4. Monroe also held a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks.
 
The Mustangs face a stiff challenge on Sunday to wrap up the weekend, taking on No. 5 Eastern Florida State College in a highly anticipated Top-5 battle. The game is set to kick off at 2 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 12 teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe College Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).