Box Score

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Goals directly before and after halftime proved too much for the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team to overcome, as the Quakers dropped their season-opener on the road to Monmouth by a score of 2-0. 

KEY MOMENTS
*Penn shot out quickly to start the game, dominating the run of play and applying early pressure against the Hawks. The Quakers attacked first on a pair of shots, including one on goal from junior Jerel Blades.

*Monmouth was able to seize momentum back to their side following the opening 15 minutes, putting Penn in some uncomfortable moments on defense it was able to survive.

*The Quakers were awarded a free kick in the 24th-minute, leading to a shot just wide of the goal from Sam Wancowicz, a theme that would prove to be common for the Red and Blue.

*Austin Kuhn rocketed a shot for Penn in the 35th-minute from outside the box, sailing just inches high of the cross bar.

*The Hawks opened the scoring for the night in the 42nd-minute, chipping a ball just over Scott Forbes for the lead they would not relinquish. 

*After halftime, it was more of the same on both sides as Penn attacked first on a shot just wide from Wancowicz before Monmouth doubled its advantage on a long ball sent in the box and volleyed home in the 53rd minute. 

*The Quakers were able to retain offensive possession throughout the final portion of the match with multiple shots from Dami Omitaomu, Wancowicz, and Sam Hefter, but it was all for naught as the clock struck zero with the score 2-0 in favor of the home team. 

PENN NOTES
*Penn outshot the Hawks for a majority of the contest, leading in strikes at one point 5-1 early, 6-3 at halftime and ending with a 12-9 advantage. 

*The Quakers' starting lineup featured a bevy of familiar faces as all 11 donning the navy blue kits were returning players. 

*A trio of freshmen made their collegiate playing debuts on Friday, as Jake Kohlbrenner, Alex Touche and Wes Maki all entered the game for the Quakers.

*Despite starting in the right back position, Wancowicz opened the season in similar fashion to his past three years at Penn as a primary attacker, leading the squad with four shots.

*Forbes made his second-career start in between the pipes for Penn, notching one save.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Quakers have a quick turnaround, set for their home opener on Sunday, Sept. 3 against Bowling Green. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rhodes Field.