HAMDEN, Conn. – An 86th-minute goal from sophomore Julian Gomez propelled the Monmouth University men to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship with a 1-0 win at No. 1 Quinnipiac University Saturday.
The Hawks (5-2-1) booked a spot in the NCAA Division tournament. Quinninpiac dropped to 7-2-0.
“This was an amazing championship,” head coach Robert McCourt said. “The team stayed so committed throughout it all. The odds were against us, and we were true road warriors this year. The guys never complained about the miles on the bus, they just stayed focus and played as a team. I’m just so happy to see these guys get the reward.”
On the winning goal, sophomore Nick Rogers received a pass just outside of the 18, made a move around two defenders and sent a cross to the far post. Gomez dove and headed the ball home.
“This championship means everything,” Gomez said. “We all stayed together as a group, worked hard, and fought through a lot of adversity. This is the reward, winning the MAAC. We’ll keep working hard and get ready for the NCAA tournament.”
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Sean Murray recorded his fourth shutout of the season, lowering his goals-against average to 0.96.
