UNION, N.J. (10/15/14) – The Kean University men's soccer team fought first-place Montclair State University at every turn on a rainy Wednesday night at Kean Alumni Stadium, but ultimately fell in a 1-0 instant classic. The Red Hawks remain undefeated in the NJAC (6-0) and are 12-3 overall, while Kean moves to 9-5-1 and 3-3 in the league.
There was not much happening in the first 10 minutes. Both teams combined to take just one shot in that time as the two rivals felt each other out.
With 18 minutes to go before halftime, Kean back Alex Noriega came up with a huge defensive save to knock what looked like a sure Red Hawk goal off its path at the last moment.
A minute later, Richard Zapata had a good chance for Kean on a broken play deep in Montclair territory but the defender got a piece to slow his drive. The Cougars then quickly generated another good chance with back-to-back shots from close range. The MSU defense blocked the first and goalkeeper Michael Gonzalez saved the second to keep the game scoreless.
With 12:47 to go in the first, Montclair had the best chance of the half. Kyle Goodwin was in behind the entirety of the Cougar defense, but while he dribbled around the goaltender, defender Tim Dutchak (pictured left) hustled back and got his chest square in the way of Goodwin's drive to take away the golden opportunity.
Kean successfully stopped all 13 MSU shots in the first and goalie Nick Pavlichko made five saves in the first 45 minutes for the Cougars.
With 12 minutes gone in the second period, Kean's Sevag Kherlopian let a shot rip from the top of the box that ricocheted off the left post. The ball came to Patrick Foley who let loose another rocket, but Gonzalez was there for the save.
Just three minutes later, the Red Hawks made a run down the right side. Damian Bziukiewicz slid a pass into the box for Lucas Terci who just touched the ball just high enough to get over the goalkeeper and into the net for the score.
Later on in the half, Kean had a remarkably similar near-miss, as Foley had a shot hit the crossbar and Zapata's close shot off the rebound was dangerous but blocked down in front.
The final 10 desperate minutes were played in a driving rainstorm. The Cougars pushed for the equalizer with tenacity, and generated more than a few good shots, especially considering the disadvantageous weather. Kean took 10 of the game's final 15 shots but could not get the tie as the final second slipped off the clock.
Despite the final shot barrage MSU still led the category 27-22 in the game. Gonzalez made five saves for his shutout victory.
The Cougars will travel to meet local rival Rutgers-Newark on Saturday in a 7:30 p.m. NJAC matchup.
