Although it is Quinnipiac’s first season in the MAAC, the men’s soccer team finds itself in the MAAC championship game.
The Bobcats defeated a resilient Iona team in penalty kicks (7-6) to reach this point and now they face the team they share regular season champions with, the Monmouth Hawks. Monmouth is also a MAAC newcomer this season as it defeated Manhattan in penalty kicks (3-0) to reach this point. In the regular season, Monmouth defeated Quinnipiac 1-0 in a very close game on Oct. 26.
Jacob Rubinstein scored the lone goal for the Hawks to beat the Bobcats. Jason Vancura was in net that day for the Bobcats as MAAC goalkeeper of the year Borja Angoitia was out with an injury. Angoitia will be in net on Sunday afternoon and will provide a different challenge for the Hawks and their persistent offense.
Keys for Quinnipiac:
- Avoid set pieces at all costs as the defense was exposed somewhat against Iona with the lone goal coming off a set piece.
- The backline of the Bobcats has to be aware of who is on the field for Monmouth as nine different Hawks have scored a goal on the year.
Keys for Monmouth:
- The Hawks must dominate possession as the Bobcats have a very opportunistic midfield who are not afraid of playing the ball over the top to their forwards in transition
- Keep the ball to the outside as Erik Panzer and Tobi Esche have continued their dominant interior back play into the MAAC tournament.
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