Monmouth Women’s Soccer proved to be victorious in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) yet again, shutting out the Marist Red Foxes in a 3-0 win on the Great Lawn on Saturday Sept. 28. They continue on an undefeated track in conference play, defeating both Saint Peter’s University in their first league game (3-1), and now Marist.
Goalkeeper and senior Amanda Knaub made a crucial save early in the match to keep it scoreless, providing the Hawks with some extra adrenaline to capitalize on the net. Sophomore forward Jill Conklin’s play of the day was the first goal to find the back of the net, coming from fifth year forward Madie Gibson’s free kick from 23 yards out on the corner. Conklin headed the ball just inside the lower left post, putting Monmouth ahead for the remainder of the game. This was Conklin’s first goal of the season, and the fifth of her career.
Scoring the first goal is always a huge sign for the Hawks who have won 41 straight games when getting on the scoreboard first.
The 35th minute of the game led to another goal for the Hawks, when senior midfielder Jessica Johnson had a penalty attempt that was originally deflected. This opportunity was thanks to freshman midfielder Alexa Correa who was fouled in the box. Despite the initial saving of the goal, Johnson still managed to knock the ball in off the rebound that was bounced right back to her. Just like Conklin, this marked Johnson’s first goal of the year and the fifth of her career.
Senior midfielder Lexie Palladino scored the final goal of the match against the Red Foxes in the 39th minute of the game, burying a penalty kick beyond the keeper’s head. This was the offensive force, Palladino’s, third goal of the year.
“The crowd was terrific and our team enjoyed playing in an awesome environment,” said Head Coach Krissy Turner. “It was a good win at home and it was great to get a shutout.”
The Hawks outshot Marist 19-7, with 10 of those shots being on goal and they also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks against the Red Foxes. This win for the Hawks was also their ninth straight win at home, and their fifth game in a row where they have gone unbeaten (4-0-1) .
Monmouth goalkeeper Amanda Knaub collected her fifth shutout of the year, and her 35th all time. Gibson has become the second player in Monmouth history to reach 30 career assists.
The Hawks who are led by their senior class have displayed a strong effort on the offensive end of the field, scoring eight of the last eleven goals of the season. Everything seems to be coming together at just the right time under the guidance of Coach Turner as the Hawks continue their quest in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this coming Wednesday on the Great Lawn at 7:00 p.m. against Manhattan.
PHOTO TAKEN by Karlee Sell
