At their final home game last Saturday, three seniors were honored, but the College men's soccer team then lost to the Montclair State University Red Hawks, 3-1. Senior co-captains defender Dan Muzzillo and forward Joe Schneck, along with Mike Montalto Rook were recognized during halftime, each receiving gift bags presented by coach George Nazario.
"It was an honor being recognized by the coaches at halftime," junior midfielder Montalto-Rook said. "Being a part of the team these past four years has been a rewarding experience that I will take with me in the future."
In the game, which remained scoreless throughout the first half, the Red Hawk defender Kevin Burkhardt was the first to score at the 54:00 minute mark. Almost five minutes later, the Lions tied the action when sophomore midfielder Matthew Connor converted a delivery, given by junior defender Brett Hockenjos from the top right side of the box, into a goal.
"We put in a good effort and fight today but unfortunately Montclair was able to capitalize on our mistakes," Montalto-Rook said. "It's a shame that we were unable to come away with the win for our last home game."
At 72:31 Red Hawk midfielder Sean Horan broke the tie, giving his team a 2-1 lead. Later in the half, Horan scored again with 15 seconds left in the game, placing the Red Hawks at a 3-1 advantage. The Lions are 4-11-2.
Lions 1, Gothic Knights 0
The Lions ended a five-game winless streak in their 1-0 home win over the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights on Oct. 18.
At the 27:51 mark of the first half, sophomore forward Ryan McMann scored off of a feed converted from a play assisted by sophomore midfielders Brian Rader and Connor. After halftime, the Lions held their 1-0 lead. This goal marked McMann's sixth of the season as well as his first game-winner of 2003.
The College's junior goal keeper Shawn Mecchi prevented seven shots and recorded his first shutout of the year. The Gothic Knights have been held scoreless one other time during this season when they lost to Ramapo College.
Profs 2, Lions 0
Prior to the Gothic Knights win, the Rowan University Profs defeated the Lions 2-0 at home at a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game on Oct. 15. Rowan scored twice in the second half of the game, which was scoreless during the first.
Prof forward Dwayne Reevey sealed the victory nine minutes later scoring a goal assisted by sophomore forward Nick Martinelli.
Upcoming Game
The Lions will travel to Ramapo College on Nov. 1, for a 12 p.m. game.
