The Montclair State Red Hawks men’s soccer team took on William Paterson at beautiful Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night. Coming off a loss in their last outing, the Red Hawks were looking to bounce back strong and they did with a 4-0 win.
Early in the first half, a few miscues in the defensive end led to a Pioneer breakaway but the shot went wide left of the net allowing the Red Hawks to survive an early scare. Montclair State had an opportunity of their own as a cross sailed in and Amer Lukovic’s header was saved by Pioneer keeper Thomas Hatch. Anthony Viola put one on net a few minutes later but Hatch was there for another save.
The Red Hawks broke through with 12:33 left in the first half on a beautiful goal by Owen Murphy. Montclair State had been knocking on the door all half and this one finally got by Hatch. Less than four minutes later, Lukovic found the back of the net and the Red Hawks were off and running up 2-0 on William Paterson.
The Pioneers put the pressure on to end the half, but Shane Keenan came up with a save and the Red Hawks defense stood tall to set up an Andre Shelton goal with 14 seconds remaining in the half. Montclair led 3-0 heading into the break.
Just 11 minutes into the second half, Lukovic scored his second goal of the game and his 25th on the year putting the Red Hawks ahead 4-0. Montclair State went on to close out the game winning 4-0 and out-shooting William Paterson 26-11.
Lukovic’s 25th goal extended his national lead in goals and he stands six goals ahead of the next highest scorer. The Red Hawks will head to Rutgers-Camden on Saturday as they look to get their 14th win on the year.
