LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Senior forward Jacob Rubinstein (Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean) scored the game-winning goal in the 40^th minute as the Monmouth University men’s soccer team defeated intrastate MAAC foe Rider, 1-0, Wednesday night at Ben Cohen Field. With the win, the Hawks maintain their hold on first place in the MAAC and improve to 4-5-3 (3-0-1 MAAC). Rider falls to 6-5-1 (1-2-1 MAAC).

“This is an awful big win for us on the road,” said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. “Rider is a good club. Coach Inverso is doing a fantastic job. So, to get three points on the road against them is a tribute to the guys. Jacob stepped up and continues to contribute. He’s been dealing with injuries all year and when he’s on the field, I feel we’re a different team. But the guys were very gritty and really ground out a result on a road here in a tough place to win, so I’m really proud of their performance.”

Monmouth freshman goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky (Lincoln Park, N.J./DePaul Catholic) compiled his second clean sheet in four starts, making one save. The Hawks are now 3-0-1 in games he’s started this season.

Rubinstein scored the game-winning goal with just over five minutes remaining in the first half, heading in a Colin Stripling (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) cross for his second goal of the season.

For the game, the Hawks took a 7-6 edge in shots and a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Monmouth put five of its seven shots on target, forcing Rider goalkeeper David Pastuna to make four saves to keep the game close.

The Hawks return to MAAC action Saturday, when they travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to take on Marist. Kickoff from Tenney Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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