Hackettstown, N.J. (September 8, 2012) – Despite playing even for the opening 37 minutes, the Cyclones struggled to produce offensive opportunities, eventually falling victim to Montclair State 5-0 in a non-conference contest Saturday afternoon.

The Cyclones and Red Hawks spent most of the first half near mid-field with each team only mustering a few shots. Montclair was kept out of goal for over 37 minutes by Centenary’s Megan Williams (Glenside, Pa, Abington) who made three saves during that time. The Cyclones struggled to create breaks, however forced Red Hawk goalkeeper Gina Policastro to make three saves, two of which coming off solid corner kicks by Tatiana Kingston (Mountainside, NJ, Governor Livingston).

Montclair State pressed forward however, striking first with 7:50 left in the first half when Martina Landeka took a pass from Janae Geonnetti and fired a shot from the right side of the 18 yard box, passed the outstretched hands of Williams, and into the upper left corner of goal. The Red Hawks struck quickly after the opening goal, on a goal mirroring the first, this time crossing from left to upper right to give Montclair a 2-0 goal with 6:28 to go before the half.

Centenary faced a barrage of shots from Montclair State in the second half, with both Williams and Alyssa Hackelberg (Randolph, NJ, Randolph) teaming up to stop nine shots. Hackelberg entered the game in the 57^th minute after Williams was forced to leave after being run into on a breakaway.

Despite making nine saves in the second half, the Cyclones yielded three goals to the Red Hawks, the first coming in the 53^rd minute as Francesca Gibson fired off a shot on Williams from point blank range. Williams was up to the task, however Gibson collected the rebound, and placed it into goal for a 3-0 Red Hawks lead.

Montclair State would add two more goals, the last of which scored on a penalty kick with under five minutes when the Cyclones were called for a handball inside the box.

In the end, Montclair State controlled the game, outshooting Centenary 31-6 leading to the 5-0 final. With the loss Centenary drops to 1-2 on the season. The Cyclones will next be in action on Wednesday, September 12^th when they travel to Wayne, N.J. to take on William Paterson University at 5 pm