FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sacred Heart’s Marcello Castro scored on a penalty kick in the 71^st minute as the Pioneers defeated the Monmouth University men’s soccer team, 1-0, Sunday afternoon on Campus Field. With the loss, the Hawks fall to 9-4-0 (3-2-0 NEC), while the Pioneers improve to 7-4-2 (3-1-2 NEC). Castro was awarded the penalty kick in the 71^st minute after he was fouled outside the 18-yard box, on what was ruled by the referee to be a clear scoring opportunity.

“I thought the result was unfortunate today and I give our guys credit for playing well in our third road NEC match in seven days,” said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. “Unfortunately, a few key moments went against us.”

Referees wiped a seemingly clean goal from Alex Weidman (Linwood, N.J./Mainland Regional) off the scoreboard in the first half and the initial stanza ended with no score.

For the match, Sacred Heart outshot the Hawks, 12-7. Each team took six corner kicks. Sacred Heart goalkeeper Alex Fait took the win in net, making one save. Alex Blackburn (Natick, Mass./Natick) took the loss for the Hawks, making two saves.

The Hawks return home Friday, to take on Quinnipiac. Kickoff from The Great Lawn is scheduled for 7 p.m.