FC Monmouth Defeats First State FC 2-1 in Weather-Shortened Game
WILMINGTON, DE – FC Monmouth (1-1-1) earned its first victory of the season Wednesday night, as it edged out First State FC (0-4-0) 2-1 in a game that was called due to weather in the 61st minute.
After the start was delayed 30 minutes, First State FC came out strong, recording eight of the first ten shots. FC Monmouth goalkeeper Matt Perrella stood strong during that stretch, recording four saves on some big opportunities for the opponent. In the 37th minute, forward Josh Hesson narrowly missed the top of net on a breakaway opportunity. Following that shot, FC Monmouth recorded three more going into the half.
Two minutes into the second half, First State FC scored the first goal of the game. FC Monmouth had a quick response a few minutes later with a shot into the top of the net from forward Walter Calderon. Shortly after, another opportunity came for the visitors, as a free kick was punched out by First State FC’s goalkeeper in the 59th minute. Midfielder Colin Lankau, who was subbed into the game in the 58th minute, chipped the ball into the net from roughly 20 yards out on his first touch of the game.
The game was paused in the 61st minute due to weather in the area with the score 2-1 in favor of FC Monmouth. After a delay of almost two hours, the game was called as the weather did not clear.
AT THE MICROPHONE
“I thought we played well. Playing on the road is never easy. In the start of the second half we really started to find our rhythm, we gave up a goal but that never changed our game plan. We can all definitely feel momentum coming our way each training session. As we begin to gel more and find our identity it will only get better.” – Defender Zachary Pereira
NOTES AND NUMBERS
Perrella recorded five saves, bringing his season total through three games to 16. He is ten away from sole possession of second all-time in that category.
Calderon scored his first goal of the season on his first shot on goal while making his club debut. He is the first player to do that since Sam DeCencio in the 2019 season opener.
Lankau’s goal was the fastest for a sub after entering the game in FC Monmouth history.
FC Monmouth has recorded points in consecutive matches for the first time since its three-game winning streak in June of 2019.
The 2021 season marks the second time in club history that three different players scored the first three goals of the season (2018).
FC Monmouth has now had a weather-delayed or shortened game in all three of its seasons. In each season, the third game of the schedule featured a delay. The only other delay came in the 2019 regular season finale at West Chester United SC.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
FC Monmouth will return home on a quick turnaround to face Torch FC on Saturday, May 29. Kickoff from Count Basie Park is slated for 6:00 p.m.