Three Thoughts: FC Monmouth 2-0 NJ Copa FC
Matt DeLuca
Communications/Lead Broadcaster
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After a few incredible years, today is my last day with the New York Red Bulls. I got to work with so many great pe… https://t.co/SPv2FWgT4o
Attacking Early and Often
FC Monmouth registered six shots in the first 20 minutes and recorded 11 of the 13 shots in the first half over Saturday’s win versus New Jersey Copa FC. For the game, the Blue and Gold won the shot battle 17-8. Those 17 shots were tied for the most in a single game in team history, with the other occurrence coming in a 4-0 win at Torch FC on June 23, 2018. FC Monmouth saw seven different players shoot the ball, with six of them recording a shot on target. If last night is any indicator for how the season will go, FC Monmouth should have a very high-octane, potent attack.
Forward Regsan Watkins scored the second goal for FC Monmouth in the 55th minute on Saturday night.
Solid Back Line
The back line of Zach Pereira, Dylan McDonald, David Philbin, Pablo Fonseca, and Michael Tapp (substitute) surrendered eight shots to New Jersey Copa FC, but none of them were on target, leading to the first shutout of the season and the second-consecutive shutout at Count Basie Park. The back line was one of the calling cards for FC Monmouth in 2018, and to not allow a single shot on target in 90-plus minutes in the season opener should call for excitement.
Defender Dylan McDonald was a part of the back line that kept a clean sheet in FC Monmouth’s 2-0 win on Saturday night.
Starting the Season Strong
In a very competitive Keystone Conference, FC Monmouth started the season with three points, keeping pace with some of the other top teams in the group. In 2018, FC Monmouth did not see their first win until the third week of the season, a 1-0 victory in a rain-shortened contest versus Atlantic City FC. That game also featured the first goal of the season for FC Monmouth, coming roughly 186 minutes in. This season, it only took 36 minutes for the Blue and Gold to see the back of the net. With a quick turnaround against the same Copa team in just a few days, FC Monmouth has a prime opportunity to collect a lot of points early on in the season.