NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Albertus Magnus College men's soccer team defeated the Monks of Saint Joseph's College of Maine, 2-0, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest this afternoon.

Kelvin Cortez (Meriden, Conn.) scored both goals to bring the Falcons to victory and now leads the GNAC with 10 goals thus far in the 2023 season.

THE BASICS
FINAL: Albertus Magnus 2 | Saint Joseph's (Me.) 0
RECORDS: Albertus Magnus (9-2-3, 7-2-2 GNAC) | Saint Joseph's (Me.) (9-3-2, 9-2 GNAC)
BOX SCORE

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Falcons came out of the gate to get the early goal in just the 3rd minute of play. Cortez took a shot that deflected off of the Monks' goalkeeper. He collected his own rebound nearing the end line outside of the penalty box, and struck a shot from a seemingly impossible angle to score.

The game proceeded with high intensity and six fouls within a 10 minute span culminating in the ejection of Monks' Gavin Lin in the 16th minute. Two yellow cards were also issued in the first half to Monks players, Cole Bishop and Icaro Vieira. The first half ended with a total of 14 fouls between both teams.

The same energy carried into the second half with 16 fouls being recorded. Cautionary yellows were issued to three members of the St. Joseph's team: Nate Sottak, Henry Cummings and the Monks' coach. Cortez was given a yellow for Albertus. 

In the 80th minute of play, Johan Stagnaro (East Hartford, Conn.) was fouled inside the Monks' penalty box, drawing a penalty kick for the Falcons. Cortez stepped up to the plate and netted a shot to the high left side of the goal for a 2-0 advantage.

Just two minutes later in the 82nd minute, Morgan Stone (Wallingford, Conn.)  received a red card. Both teams would finish out the game with 10 men on the pitch.

The Albertus defense held on to keep SJC scoreless at the end of 90 minutes to get their first win against the Monks since 2015.

BETWEEN THE PIPES
Albertus: David Lucero (W, 8-2-2) 6 Shots on Goal | 0 Goals-Against | 6 Saves
SJC: Liam Foley (L, 9-3) 4 Shots on Goal | 2 Goals-Against | 2 Saves

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Monks edged the Falcons in shots, 12-10.

• Each team had six corner kicks.

• The Monks committed 19 fouls compared to the Falcons' 11.

• SJC received five yellow cards and one red card, while Albertus had one yellow card and one red card.

NOTEWORTHY

• The previous time Albertus got a win off of SJC was on November 1, 2015.

• Cortez now leads the GNAC in goals (10) and points (27). He is second in the conference for assists with 7.

UP NEXT
The Falcons hit the road to face the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales on Tuesday, October 17. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.