The New Jersey City University (NJCU) men’s soccer team defeated #14 Montclair State University 4-3 at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex on Saturday, marking their first win over Montclair since 2009. The victory ended a 15-game losing streak against the Red Hawks and represented the highest number of goals NJCU has ever scored against this opponent. Prior to this match, Montclair had allowed only two goals all season.
Augusto Vieira led NJCU with his first career hat trick, scoring three goals from three shots. Goalkeeper Camilo Pascual Verdu made 10 saves, his second-highest total of the season, as Montclair outshot NJCU 29 to 10.
The Gothic Knights took an early lead five minutes into the game when Maximilian Bzuikiewicz headed in a pass from Trisan Bastos. Montclair quickly responded with a goal by Danny Tobon. After further pressure from Montclair, Kevin Alves assisted Vieira for NJCU’s second goal with a header to the near post, but again Montclair equalized through Jeremias Montero before halftime.
In the second half, Vieira scored again six minutes after play resumed following an assist sequence involving Dom Celi Jr. and Bzuikiewicz. Despite continued attacks from Montclair, Pascual Verdu kept them at bay until another counterattack in the 80th minute resulted in Vieira completing his hat trick off a pass from Bzuikiewicz.
Montclair managed one more goal with thirty seconds remaining but could not capitalize on a final corner kick as NJCU secured the upset.
NJCU’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1 against #6 Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey at 7:00 pm.
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