WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Quinnipiac men’s soccer team was defeated, 2-0, by Northeast Conference opponent Monmouth on Friday evening at The Great Lawn. The loss drops Quinnipiac’s record to 3-2 in NEC action and 5-6 overall, while Monmouth improves to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in the NEC.

Monmouth grabbed the 1-0 lead in the 36^th minute of play on a goal from freshman Kalle Sotka. The play developed quickly, as senior RJ Allen knocked a cross in from the corner to junior Ryan Clark. Clark then adeptly one-touch passed the ball to the open Sotka, standing just off the goal line, where the freshman tapped in his team-leading fourth goal of the season.

The Hawks added to their lead in the second half in the 53rd minute on freshman Andres Penfold’s second goal of the season. Sophomore Joseph Schmidt was credited with his second assist of the year on the score.

Following Monmouth’s second score, the Bobcats rattled off five of their seven second-half shots on net, but were unable to put one past Monmouth’s junior goalkeeper Alex Blackburn.

Freshman goalkeeper Borja Angoitia (Bilbao, Spain) and Blackburn each made six saves in net for their respective sides in the game.

Overall, Quinnipiac held the edge in corner kicks, 4-to-3, however Monmouth led the shot battle, 19-to-7.

Sophomore midfielder Tim Quigley (Ridgefield, Conn.) led the Bobcats with two shots on goal.

Quinnipiac looks to rebound when it returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. when it travels to Emmitsburg, Md. to face Mount St. Mary’s.

Contact: Ross Bennett; rsbennett@quinnipiac.edu