LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The Monroe University men's soccer team battled Georgian Court University for 90 minutes Saturday afternoon, but a late goal from the Lions lifted the hosts to a 2-1 victory at the GCU Track & Field Complex.
With the loss, Monroe falls to 3-4-1 on the season, while Georgian Court improves to 6-2-3. Despite the result, the Mustangs controlled much of the offensive play, finishing with a 13-6 advantage in shots and putting seven attempts on target.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Georgian Court struck first in the eighth minute when Ferdinand Holdhaus found the back of the net off an assist from Nicholas Damiano, giving the Lions an early 1-0 advantage.
The Mustangs responded with consistent pressure and eventually found the equalizer in the 33rd minute.
Peterson Aquino scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season at the 32:54 mark, finishing a pass from Matthew Murray-Smith to pull Monroe even at 1-1.
Monroe continued to create chances throughout the remainder of the first half. Murray-Smith registered three shots on target during the opening 45 minutes, but Georgian Court goalkeeper Simon Mortensen turned each attempt away.
The Mustangs entered halftime tied at 1-1 despite holding a 7-3 edge in shots during the opening period.
The two sides battled through a scoreless second half for nearly 35 minutes before Georgian Court broke through again.
At 79:54, Noah-Maxim Kleiser scored the eventual game-winning goal off assists from Lennox Dorn and Leo Elder, putting the Lions ahead 2-1.
Monroe continued to push for the equalizer in the final 10 minutes, with Ryoma Ichihara and Sebastian Faudoa each recording a shot. The Mustangs also earned a corner kick with just under two minutes remaining, but could not find the tying goal.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Mustangs finished with a 13-6 advantage in shots, including a 7-2 edge in shots on goal. Georgian Court goalkeeper Simon Mortensen made six saves to preserve the Lions' victory.
Matthew Murray-Smith led Monroe with four shots and three shots on goal while adding an assist on Aquino's equalizer.
Aquino finished with three shots, including two on target, and scored his seventh goal of the season. Jin Yamamoto also recorded three shots.
In goal, Sinan Sargin played all 90 minutes for Monroe.
STATS & NOTES
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Monroe falls to 3-4-1 on the season.
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Georgian Court improves to 6-2-3.
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Monroe outshot Georgian Court 13-6.
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The Mustangs held a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal.
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Monroe finished with two corner kicks compared to five for Georgian Court.
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Peterson Aquino scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season.
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Matthew Murray-Smith recorded his first assist of the season.
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Murray-Smith led Monroe with four shots and three shots on goal.
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Jin Yamamoto finished with three shots.
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Aquino recorded two shots on goal.
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Sinan Sargin played all 90 minutes in goal.
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Monroe led 1-0 in shots at halftime? No — the Mustangs actually led 7-3 in shots after the opening 45 minutes.
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Georgian Court's game-winning goal came with 10:06 remaining in regulation.
UP NEXT
The Mustangs return to action Monday, October 5, when Monroe travels to Goldey-Beacom College for a 3 p.m. matchup in Wilmington, Delaware.
