Francois Navarro's goal with 24 seconds remaining in the first half proved to be the game-winner as Monmouth defeated Siena Soccer 2-1 in West Long Branch, N.J. Senior captainJames Beeston assisted on the Saints' goal, tying the program's all-time record with his 25th career assist.

All three goals came in a 14-minute span late in the first half. Jacob Rubenstein put Monmouth (3-5-3, 2-0-1) on top in the 31st minute.

Siena (5-5, 1-1) tied the game less than three minutes later when red-shirt sophomore and local product Ryan Tauss of Niskayuna scored his first collegiate goal. Matt Hemsley and Beeston assisted on the tally, with Beeston moving into a tie with Paul Laniewski '87 on the Saints' all-time assists list.

But new conference foe Monmouth, the MAAC preseason favorite, had the final say in the first-ever meeting between the programs. Off a Thomas Penfold free kick, Navarro fired home a shot from the middle of the box to put the Hawks back on top for good.

Despite an up-tempo affair with numerous scoring chances for both sides, Monmouth held a slight 11-8 edge in shots. Both the Saints' Adam Myers and the Hawks' Eric Klenofsky made two saves apiece.

The Saints head to Western New York Wednesday for a 4 p.m. kickoff at Canisius. 

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