WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Junior midfielder Francois “Paco” Navarro (Paris, France/William Carey) scored twice and assisted on a third goal as the Monmouth University men’s soccer team scored three goals in a span of just over six minutes to defeat a perennially-powerful Big East team in Providence, 3-1, in front of 1,856 Monday night on The Great Lawn. Edney Derrick (Kumasi, Ghana/KNUST University) assisted on both of Navarro’s goals, while Joseph Schmid (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) put away a Navarro feed 15 seconds after the game-tying goal in the 64^th minute for the game-winner. With the win, the Hawks improve to 2-0-0, while the Friars fall to 0-2-0.

“I thought it was a great feeling,” said Monmouth Head Coach Robert McCourt. “The crowd support was unbelievable and I think it really lifted our guys when they really needed to be lifted. We came out and showed a lot of character. We got a balanced attack and scored three really nice goals.”

The Hawks dominated play in the first half to the tune of a 9-2 edge in shots, but came away down a goal after the first 45 minutes. Anthony Baumann was awarded a penalty kick in the 37^th minute and capitalized on the opportunity to put Providence on top, 1-0, at the break.

Following 18 scoreless minutes in the second half, Derrick sent a cross from the goal line in front to Navarro, who beat Providence goalkeeper Keasel Broom for the equalizer in the 64^th minute. Just 15 seconds later, Navarro fed Schmid into the box before the junior captain beat Broom low inside the right post for the game-winner at the 63:22 mark.

For good measure, Derrick sent another beautiful cross from the right corner in front to Navarro in the 70^th minute and again, the Frenchman put it away to ensure the Monmouth victory.

Hawks goalkeeper Alex Blackburn (Natick, Mass./Natick) picked up the win in net, making two saves. Broom took the loss, making six saves.

The Hawks dominated play throughout, taking a 19-7 edge in shots and a 6-4 advantage on corner kicks.

Monmouth returns to action Friday, when it travels to Lawrenceville, N.J., to face intrastate rival Rider. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Ben Cohen Field.   

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