Montclair, NJ – The #11 Montclair State University Men's Soccer team edged Southern Virginia 1-0 in the First Round of the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament on Friday evening at MSU Soccer Park.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Red Hawks (17-2-3) stopped the opening shot of the day from the Knights in the fourth minute, with Pierre Soumeillant gathering the ball right in front of frame. After Tomas Monteiro slotted the first shot on goal of the day for Montclair the following minute, Soumeillant tallied another stop in the 11th minute to keep things level. After a tight ensuing stretch, the home side rattled another pair of shots, both missing the net as the game crossed its 20th minute.
- With the Montclair defense tightening up, they continued to push on the front foot to look for the breakthrough strike. In the 31st minute, Josh Virgil saw a shot attempt blocked by Southern Virginia, with Robby Dasler seeing an attempt on goal saved by the Knights keeper. Nine minutes later, Ivan Garcia ripped a shot on goal that had to be parried out by Southern Virginia, forcing a corner kick. Off the set piece, Jake Winchock notched a shot that was also blocked by the Knights. Neither side would find the back of the net, going into the break scoreless.
- The Red Hawks continued to stand out offensively, notching a shot in the second minute of the second half with another following two minutes later, as Garcia saw an attempt punched away by Southern Virginia for a corner kick. Winchock recorded another pair shortly after, including a rip on goal. Montclair found the game's lone goal in the 57th minute, as Garcia rocketed a shot off a set piece from just outside the box that went off the keeper's hand and the crossbar, falling to Monteiro to put it in the back of the net.
- Soumeillant tallied a crucial stop shortly after as the Knights looked to counter in the 59th minute, as Monteiro attempted another shot on goal on the ensuing trip up the field that was saved by the visitors. Both back lines tightened up, with neither side allowing a shot on goal until the 81st minute. With around five minutes on the clock, Soumeillant made one of the plays of the game, surging off his line to knock away a leaking run through the channels by Southern Virginia well outside the box. He registered another key save in the 88th minute, helping seal the victory for the Red Hawks.
INSIDE THE RESULTS
- Montclair's victory marked their 22nd all-time in the NCAA Tournament and first since the 2023 campaign. They have registered 12 clean sheets in the competition.
- Monteiro continued his stellar sophomore campaign with his 18th goal, his fourth over Montclair's last three games. He sits in sole possession for third in the nation in scoring and has notched a goal contribution in 18 of Montclair's 22 games.
- Garcia recorded his sixth assist of the season, moving into a tie for third on the team in the category.
- Soumeillant finished the evening with four saves, one off his season-high en route to his 16th victory of the season. He has amassed eight shutouts between the posts.
- The Red Hawks have collected 13 clean sheets during the 2026 campaign, allowing just 13 goals through 22 contests.
- Montclair held a 23-5 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. The Red Hawks have held an opponent to five or fewer shots in 13 games this year.
FROM THE FIELD
"Proud of our group for the way they battled today. We defended well throughout and were able to get the breakthrough goal offensively. Happy to get the win and advance in the NCAA Tournament, and we will regroup for another good test tomorrow night." - Head Coach Todd Tumelty
UP NEXT
The Red Hawks will take on #18 Cortland in the Second Round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament on Saturday, November 14. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 6:00 PM.