November 7, 2010

HAMDEN, Conn. - Quinnipiac men's soccer sophomore forward Philip Suprise's (Milwaukee, Wis.) goal in the 18^th minute of play carried the Bobcats to a 1-1 draw against No. 11 Monmouth University in its final game of the regular season on Sunday afternoon. The Bobcats finish the season with a 4-11-2 overall record and a 3-6-1 mark in the Northeast Conference, while Monmouth's record is now 12-1-4 overall and 6-0-4 in NEC play.

Quinnipiac started strong, as Surprise rocketed a shot from the top of the goalkeeper's box that beat sophomore goalkeeper Alex Blackburn for the game's first score. On Suprise's team-leading fifth goal of the season, senior forward Dwayne Mars (St. Michael, Barbados) collected his first assist of the year.

The Bobcats held a 1-0 advantage until junior forward Erkko Puranen headed in his fifth goal of the year in the 34^th minute of play. Puranen received a cross from senior midfielder Ryan Kinne and beat Bobcats' sophomore goalkeeper Josh Lavallee (Upland, Calif.). Lavallee made nine saves on the afternoon, both an individual and team-high for saves in a game on the season.

Neither squad was able to score the game-winning goal in the second half of play, as Quinnipiac clamped down defensively, preventing Monmouth from capitalizing on its 2 to 0 corner kick and 5 to 2 second half shot advantage.

Each side had its chances in the two overtime frames, as Lavallee made multiple game-saving stops, including one diving stop in which he punched the ball over the crossbar. Quinnipiac was unable to score against Monmouth senior goalkeeper Bryan Meredith, who came in at the start of the second half to replace Blackburn.

Sunday's contest concludes the 2010 season for the men's soccer team.