MONTCLAIR, N.J. (NJCUGothicKnights.com)  | The New Jersey City University men's soccer (2-0) team swept their season-opening tournament in Montclair thanks to a 1-0 victory over Marywood University (0-2) on August 31—day two of the Montclair State Classic at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field. NJCU opened a season with back-to-back shutouts for the fourth consecutive season under Cullen.
 
"Overall, on the weekend, we are happy with the results," head coach Joe Cullen said. "Two wins in two days with two clean sheets is nothing to complain about."
 
The Gothic Knights started the same 11 they did in their victorious season debut, and the side once again proved difficult for the opposing attack to unlock. The center back combination of senior Mike Almeida (Kearny, NJ/Kearny) and freshman Joao Fernandes (Kearny, NJ/Kearny), along with junior goalie Aldahir Cazun (Jersey City, NJ/Dickinson), have now put in 180 scoreless minutes to start the campaign. Cazun had to make only one save on the night, as the Pacers totaled 10 shots but got only one on target. NJCU had a 13-10 edge in shots on the afternoon.
 
Marywood's defense was up to the task in the first half, with the two teams heading into the break scoreless. However, they could only keep the Knights off the scoreboard for so long. Senior midfielder Koshane Marshall (Montclair, NJ/Montclair), for the second straight game to start the season, found the back of the net.
 
The Knights won a throw-in from the left side in the 58th minute, with the throw making it just outside the six where Marshall collected, turned, and fired inside the left post to give the Knights the only advantage they'd need.
 
"Ko's work rate has been incredible all through training camp and great through the first two games," Cullen explained. "That's why he's found the back of the net twice already."
 
The Pacer offense did indeed get aggressive after that, firing off seven shots in the final 30 minutes, but not so much as a single one needed saving. Their coach was pleased, but he still wants to see improvement.
 
"We just need to tighten the screws and clean things up a bit," Cullen noted. "We need to get back to training and back to work so we are better when it comes to our overall execution."
 
OF NOTE:

• Series record: This is the second time the two teams have met, the first since 2012 when Marywood pulled off a 3-2 upset of NJCU in Scranton, Pa.. The series is now 1-1.

 
UP NEXT:

• NJCU leaves Montclair but stays on the road for a game in Reading, Pa. on Tuesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. against Albright College (0-1) at Gene L. Shirk Stadium.

 
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