WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Emmanuel Senyah Agyemang (Kumasi, Ghana/KNUST University) scored the game-winning goal in the 50^th minute as the Monmouth University men’s soccer team opened Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play with a 1-0 win over Canisius Tuesday night at Hesse Field on The Great Lawn. With the win, the Hawks (5-2-1, 1-0-0 MAAC) snapped Canisius’ (5-3-1, 0-1-0 MAAC) six-game unbeaten streak.

“I am very happy with the overall team performance,” said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. “Dom and YaYa had a great moment to change the game. We worked hard defensively, resulting in very few real chances at goal for Canisius. Many young guys that have not seen much playing time stepped in and did a fantastic job for us.  Canisius had a great non-conference run and are a good team. Three points to start league play is a tribute to our overall team effort.”

Monmouth goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky (Lincoln Park, N.J./DePaul Catholic) and the Hawks’ defense posted their fourth clean sheet of the year. Klenofsky made one save in the victory. For the game, the Hawks outshot Canisius, 12-8, including a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal. Monmouth also took a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.

The Hawks narrowly missed taking a first-half lead in the 33^rd minute as Dom Sarle’s (Huntington, N.Y./Bradenton Prep) shot rang off the left post.

Following the scoreless first half, Agyemang and connected on a give-and-go down the right sideline and into the 18-yard box. Sarle’s last pass led Agyemang to the right post, where he slipped a shot from a tough angle low past Canisius goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin for the game winner at 49:25.

The Hawks very nearly took a two-goal lead just two minutes later, but Sarle’s header off service from Derek Luke (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) sailed just over the crossbar.

Canisius’ best chance came in the 66^th minute, as Alex De Carolis got behind the Hawks’ defense on the left side of the box for what appeared sure to be a one-on-one opportunity against Klenofsky. But Dan Pizzimenti (Manalapan, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) streaked back to block the De Carolis shot from 12 yards out.

The Hawks return to action Saturday, when they travel to Niagara. Kickoff from Niagara Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.     

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