The Montclair State Red Hawks came into Wednesday night’s match against Stockton as the number one men's soccer team in the NJAC. The Red Hawks were 7-0-1 looking to continue their hot start to the season, and they certainly did with a 3-0 victory over the Ospreys.
Both sides were close to scoring in the first 10 minutes of the game and, when the 11th minute hit, the Red Hawks finally broke through. Amer Lukovic received a beautiful pass for Andre Shelton and found the back of the net to put Montclair up 1-0. Stockton attacked the Red Hawk defense after Lukovic scored, but goalkeeper Shane Keenan made a save—and a shot went wide to keep Montclair ahead.
Keenan booted the goal kick into the New Jersey night sky and the Red Hawks were on the attack once again. Owen Murphy found Andre Shelton and he found pay dirt getting the ball past the Stockton keeper.
Both teams were attacking the net for the remainder of the half, and things started to get a little chippy. A yellow card was called on Stockton freshman Noah Jones in the box, putting none other than Lukovic to the strip for a penalty shot. He lived up to the “Laidback Lukovic” name and put the ball in the back corner of the net with ease. As the clock hit double zeros to end the first half, Montclair had a 3-0 lead.
The second half began and Montclair did not play conservatively at all. They dominated the second half, even though no goals were scored. The Red Hawks had five shots and held Stockton to just one shot that missed the net. Montclair cruised in the second half and finished off Stockton winning the match 3-0.
The Red Hawks will head to Ramapo this Saturday with another chance to remain unbeaten in conference play.
