Photo by Joe Hayburn (IG @JoeHayburn)
Recap by George Diamond

The Nor’easter tied 1-1 with FC Monmouth in their exhibition game with the NPSL side on Tuesday night. There were multiple substitutions throughout the game as both teams took advantage of the friendly format to work different players into action.

This result means the Nor’easters have not been beaten in a non-competitive game since their defeat to Portugese powershouse SL Benfica on July 23, 2019.

The Nor’easters got on the board early through Jalen Anderson (South Florida / Hamden, CT). He settled a cross from Theo Da Silva (Univ. of Rio Grande / Sao Paulo, Brazil) off his chest before poking it past the goalie to score in the first minute of play.

After this, Monmouth were able to settle into the game and shored up their defense. The Nor’easters had the majority of chances in the opening 45, but were not able to generate any clear shots on goal.

Monmouth were able to equalize in the 23rd minute following a quick counter attack. Rowan University forward John Toriano won a 50/50 challenge against Justin Ruffino and carried the ball into Ocean City’s final third before hitting a strong shot past Ocean City keeper Justin Talbot (Caldwell Univ. / Moorestown, NJ).

At halftime, Donovan Friedhoff (Montclair State / Toms River, NJ) subbed into the game for Justin Talbot at keeper.

Ocean City again had the majority of chances but were ultimately unable to convert. Monmouth had a good opportunity to take the lead in the 61st minute but a strong save from Friedhoff on Troiano’s shot in the box prevented a goal.

Skyler Wright nearly scored off a header, the bench and crowd thought it went in, but his shot missed wide right.

The Nor’easters came close to scoring near the end of the game. Angus Kenson (Rider / Riverton, NJ) got in behind the Monmouth defense but his shot banged off the upright of the football field goal post.

After a late Monmouth corner that the Nor’easter defense cleared away, the referee blew the final whistle ending the game with a score of 1-1.

FC Monmouth’s next game in NPSL play comes this Sunday, June 9 against West Chester Predators at YSC Sports, kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. You can follow the rest of their season on fcmonmouth.com.

The Nor’easters return to USL-2 action on the road this weekend against rival Reading United. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. at Alvernia University. The Nor’easters will return to the Beach House the following Saturday, June 15 against Philadelphia Lone Star.