2025 NJAC Men's Soccer Championship Central | Bracket
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MONTCLAIR, NJ --- Chris Meder recorded four goals to lead fourth-seeded The College of New Jersey to a stunning 4-1 upset victory over top-seeded Montclair State in the NJAC Men's Soccer Championship semifinal on November 5, 2025, at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field before 387 spectators.
 
Meder was unstoppable throughout the match, opening the scoring in the 13th minute with an unassisted goal to give TCNJ (12-4-5) an early 1-0 lead. He added his second goal in the 57th minute, again unassisted, to make it 2-0 before completing his hat trick in the 67th minute with assistance from Aidan Ayar.
 
After Montclair State (12-3-5) pulled one back through Danny Tobon, assisted by Kyle Moore, at 72:39 to cut the deficit to 3-1, Meder answered just 38 seconds later with his fourth goal of the match, assisted by Matias Hornos, to seal the victory.
 
The remarkable performance caps a historic two-game run for Meder, who also recorded two assists in TCNJ's quarterfinal victory over Rutgers-Camden. The Lions have now scored nine goals in their two tournament matches and are headed to the championship match after finishing ninth in the conference just a year ago.
 
Despite being outshot 27-15, TCNJ made their opportunities count, putting eight shots on target compared to seven for Montclair State. Lions goalkeeper Sean Najdzinowicz was outstanding when called upon, making six saves to help secure the victory.
 
Montclair State dominated possession and created numerous chances, particularly in the second half when they unleashed 19 shots. Tomas Monteiro led the Red Hawks' attack with seven shots, two on target, while Moore added four attempts with two on goal to go along with his assist.
 
The win sends TCNJ to the championship game at Rowan – a 1-0 winner over Stockton in the other semifinal – on Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m.