Montclair, NJ – Stockton University (8-5-1, 4-1-0) played tough against nationally ranked Montclair State (11-1-1, 5-0-0) but dropped a close 2-0 decision on Saturday night. The Red Hawks are ranked #12 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. It was the first loss in NJAC play this year for the Ospreys.
 
The first half saw Montclair State outshoot Stockton by an 8-1 margin, but only held a 2-1 shots on goal advantage. The Red Hawks cashed in the lone goal of the first half, when Amir Lukovic took a pass from Gene Carlo Altamirano and hit the high left side for the counter at 16:46.
 
Ervin Gjeli (Hasbrouck Heights/Hasbrouck Heights) had the only shot on net in the 27th minute for the Ospreys.
 
The Ospreys were able to get another pair of shots on net in the final stanza but were denied a goal. Ian Byrne (Lanoka Harbor/Lacey Twp.) in the 59th minute and Sean O'Leary (Bordentown/Bordentown) at 75:40 took the attempts that failed to get by Shane Keenan.
 
Lukovic then sealed the match with his second tally of the night at 83:13, when he broke in and scored to the high right side and the 2-0 lead. The Red Hawks kept up the pressure in the final minutes, not allowing Stockton to get on the board and came away with the 2-0 victory.
 
Goalkeeper Dino Gromitsaris (Bordentown/Bordentown) made three saves after facing 19 shots on the night. Keenan kicked out two shots for the Red Hawks.
 
Stockton will return home to face Rowan University on Wednesday night for their next match. Game time is scheduled for 7 pm.