MONTCLAIR, NJ – Rowan came from behind twice in regulation, then won a penalty-kick shootout on a game-ending save by C.J. Norton to take the 2026 New Jersey Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Championship over Montclair State on Friday night at MSU Soccer Park. The teams played to a 2-2 draw through 110 minutes, and Rowan won the shootout 5-4.

The trophy returns to Glassboro for the third consecutive season and fourth time in five years.
 
The championship game was decided in the sixth round of the shootout. Franck Onguene scored for Rowan, and C.J. Norton then saved Josh Virgil’s attempt to clinch the title. Evan Vilaboy, Dani Fluck Lozano, Christian McGillen and Luke McNamee also scored for Rowan. Sebastian Lapczynski, John Carey, Logan Neno and Thomas Pugliese converted for the Red Hawks, and Max Perry’s attempt in the fourth round went wide. Rowan sent Norton in for the shootout after Mike Moore played all 110 minutes in goal.
 
Montclair State opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Tomas Monteiro finished from Jake Winchock and Josh Virgil at 16:18. Rowan answered at 23:13 when Tanner Grozinski scored off a DJ Mosley assist. Less than two minutes later, Virgil restored the Red Hawks’ lead at 25:08, again set up by Winchock.
 
The score held at 2-1 into the second half, when Rowan increased the pressure. It outshot Montclair State 10-4 after the break. The Profs tied it at 68:42. Pierre Soumeillant saved a Fluck Lozano shot, and Carill Asanji put back the rebound.
 
Neither side scored in two 10-minute overtime periods. Montclair State came closest in the 107th minute, when a Monteiro shot hit the crossbar.
 
Rowan led in shots, 17-13, but Montclair State had more shots on goal, 4-3, and a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks. Moore made two saves for Rowan, and Soumeillant had one for Montclair State. McNamee led all players with five shots. Winchock had two assists for the Red Hawks, and Fluck Lozano had an assist plus a successful penalty kick for the Profs.

Rowan earns the NJAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, with selections being announced on Monday, Nov. 9.