BUCKNELL DEFEATS MONMOUTH, 2-0

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Bucknell’s Mayowa Alli headed in two goals, both off corner kicks from teammate Joe Meyer, as the Bison defeated the Monmouth University men’s soccer team, 2-0, Sunday afternoon on The Great Lawn. With the loss, the Hawks fall to 4-2-0, while the Bison move to 4-3-0.

“I was disappointed in our effort in the first half, but was encouraged by our response in the second half,” said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. “Full credit to Bucknell. They made it very difficult for us to play and executed two set pieces.”

The Bison controlled play early, outshooting the Hawks, 7-3, while also taking a 4-0 advantage on corner kicks. The momentum swung Monmouth’s way in the second half, with the Hawks outshooting Bucknell, 8-0, and taking three corner kicks while the Bison did not attempt a corner.

Alli got Bucknell on the board with what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 36^th minute. Meyer lofted a corner eight yards in front of the goal mouth that Alli headed past goalkeeper Alex Blackburn and the Monmouth defense. Less than seven minutes later in the 43^rd minute, history repeated itself as Meyer and Alli connected on a near-identical tally.

“We have two more difficult non-conference match-ups this week, so we look forward to getting back to training on Tuesday in preparation for these two matches,” said McCourt.

The Hawks return to action Thursday night, when they travel to Columbia for a 7 p.m. kickoff. A home contest against Princeton follows on Sunday at 1 p.m. on The Great Lawn.