Matt Forster leads the Big East with five goals after his game-winner. (Photo courtesy of the St. John’s SID)
QUEENS, N.Y. – Matt Forster set up the first goal and connected on the tie-breaker in the 78th minute to lead the St. John’s University men to a 2-1 non-conference victory over Mount St. Mary’s at rain-soaked Belson Stadium Tuesday night.
Forster is tied for the league lead in goals with five and points with 13.
Johan Aquilon provided the other goal for St. John’s, heading home the first of his collegiate career in the 23rd minute.
Goalkeeper Tyron Matuta made one save to earn his second victory of the season for the Johnnies (5-3-1).
Midway through the first half, the Red Storm earned a free kick just outside the box thanks to a Mount handball. Forster sent it unimpeded to the top of the six, where Aquilon headed the ball off goalkeeper Bobby Edwards and into the back of the net to put the Red Storm ahead, 1-0.
The Mountaineers (1-5-2) wasted no time responding, striking less than two minutes later with a goal off the acrobatic foot of Jonathan Godette. Andrew Lasso chipped a ball into the box toward Godette, who skied for it, got parallel to the ground and sent it into the top of the cage.
In the 79th minute, Forster stepped over a free kick from about 30 yards out. Standing just beyond the top left corner of the area, the junior sent a left-footed strike sailing for the right-side upper 90. The bending try curved past the outstretched hands of Edwards and put the Johnnies ahead.
St. John’s returns to Big East action, hosting Butler University Saturday at 7 p.m.
