Tigers Blank Monmouth, 1-0

Tuesday, October 1

Princeton, N.J.

7:30 PM

Princeton University

4-3-0, 1-0-0

Monmouth

4-1-5, 1-0-3

Monmouth

Princeton

October 01, 2024 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PRINCETON, N.J. – With Ian Nunez scoring the lone goal in the contest, the Princeton men's soccer team defeated the Monmouth Hawks 1-0 on Tuesday night in Roberts Stadium. The Tigers advance to 4-3 on the season while Monmouth falls to 4-1-5.

"Monmouth is a very good team. They're a tough team to defend, especially, so tonight we had to defend a bit deeper at times and be sharper when we wanted. We were under it for a lot of the game, but we found a great goal at an opportunistic time, and we grinded out the win. On our side, we've had different guys stepping up and having a team-first mentality, giving it their all when called upon - and that's been really crucial to our success. Back to back clean sheets, with a great performance from Samuels tonight, a really great goal from Nunez; overall the team did well tonight and we're ready to get back to work as we prepare for Brown this weekend." - Head Coach Jim Barlow

HOW IT HAPPENED
Both sides came out looking dangerous, beginning what would become a 90-minute end to end battle.

Early chances for Princeton came as Bardia Hormozi sent a shot just off target in the ninth minute, as Monmouth was quick with the counterattacks to put pressure on the Tiger defense.

Battling through the first 45, Monmouth kept pushing for the breakthrough goal, registering three corner kicks and several dangerous crosses into the box, but no shots for Tiger keeper Andrew Samuels to answer.

As it looked like the half would end scoreless with just 20 seconds remaining, senior captain Harry Roberts sent a ball to the top of the box where sophomore Ian Nunez slotted it past the Monmouth keeper Eryk Dymora to give the Tigers the 1-0 lead going into halftime.

Coming out of halftime, Monmouth's energy intensified, forcing the Tiger back line of Kristian Kelley, Jack Hunt, Giuliano Fravolini-Whitchurch and Jack Jasinski to keep the Hawks at bay.

Although Monmouth was able to control much of the possession, the Tigers managed a few more close chances with another Nunez shot flying just above the crossbar in the 54th minute and a Daniel Ittycheria shot going just wide in the 80th.

Still, despite continued pressure with Monmouth registering eight shots, the Tiger defense, headed by Samuels, was able to prevent the Hawks from finding an equalizer. The 1-0 score stood final to deliver Princeton its second home win in four days and Monmouth its first loss of the season.

OF NOTE

Nunez's goal was his first of the season.
Roberts's assist was his first of the season.
Samuels made four saves for the shutout, marking his first game between the posts for Princeton.
Princeton outshot Monmouth 10 to eight.

UP NEXT
The Tigers will travel to Providence, R.I. to face Brown in their second Ivy League game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th at 6 p.m.