FC Monmouth Earns First Point of Season With Draw Against Electric City

SCRANTON, PA – FC Monmouth (0-1-1) played Electric City Shock SC (1-0-1) to a 1-1 draw Wednesday night. With the result, FC Monmouth earned its first point in the Keystone Conference standings for the 2021 season.

Both teams recorded two shots in the first 15 minutes, and shortly after, FC Monmouth forward Josh Hesson scored the club’s first goal of the season. The goal was assisted by forward David Nigro, who made his debut in the game.

Later on in the first half, Electric City had an opportunity to tie the game on a penalty kick in the 39th minute. Goalkeeper Matt Perrella made a full extension to his right side to make the save, preserving the 1-0 advantage for the visitors. That margin held going into the halftime break.

Early in the second half, Electric City was able to tie the game. FC Monmouth responded with a flurry of shots, including three within a span of roughly two minutes.

In the 71st minute, Electric City had a shot deflect off of the FC Monmouth goal post. On the following corner kick, they had a shot go directly on goal, which was cleared by midfielder Kevin Simek.

Both teams had a few more opportunities, but the game finished with a score of 1-1.

AT THE MICROPHONE

“I thought tonight’s match, similar to the last match against FC Motown, was an all-out effort from our guys. I thought their ability to drive three hours in traffic, play against a team who has a lot of ability, and get a result tonight was a great result for us as a team and as an organization. It shows their character as a team.” – Head Coach Brian Woods

“When we were patient and passed the ball, we are able to kind of suck them in and play around them. Our goal I thought was great because they closed us down and pressured us, but we waited, got out of it, had a great cross, and Josh had a great finish.” – Midfielder Chase Covello

NOTES AND NUMBERS

Defender Zachary Pereira became FC Monmouth’s all-time leader in games played with his start against Electric City. He is also the club’s all-time leader in minutes played.

Perrella’s penalty kick save was the first ever by a FC Monmouth goalkeeper. He also has 11 saves in his first two games, which is the most for any goalkeeper in club history through their first two games.

Nigro is the second player to make their FC Monmouth debut and record an assist in the same game. Midfielder Bryant Knibbs did it in the 2019 season opener against New Jersey Copa FC.

The 14 shots from FC Monmouth were the most in a game since June 15, 2019, when they had a club record 29 against Torch FC.

FC Monmouth remained unbeaten all-time against Electric City, now holding a 2-0-1 series record.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE

FC Monmouth will remain on the road to face First State FC on Wednesday, May 26. It will mark the first meeting between the two sides as well as the first time the club plays in the state of Delaware. Kickoff from Wilmington is slated for 7:00 p.m.