The TCNJ men’s soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to 11 games on Wednesday night, playing Montclair State to a scoreless draw in hostile territory during a hard-fought road matchup.
The 0-0 tie represents the program’s best start to a season since at least 1994, when TCNJ finished third in the NCAA Tournament. Following the result, the Lions sit at 5-0-6 overall and 1-0-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC), while Montclair State moves to 10-2-1 overall and 2-0-1 in conference play.
Montclair State pressed the attack early in the contest, generating four corner kicks and four shots within the opening 12 minutes. Goalkeeper Sean Najdzinowicz anchored the TCNJ defense, turning away three of his season-high seven saves in the first 45 minutes to send the match into halftime scoreless.
Najdzinowicz remained busy at the start of the second half, stopping two dangerous shots headed toward the goal. TCNJ subsequently produced its first shot on frame when sophomore Tye Maser had an attempt stopped directly on the goal line by the Montclair State defense.
Over the final 30 minutes of regulation, the Lions relied on defensive grit, with Najdzinowicz making two more saves and teammate Finn McCarthy executing a last-ditch clearance to preserve the clean sheet until the final whistle.
Match Statistics and Defensive Milestones
Montclair State outshot TCNJ 17-3, holding an 8-1 advantage in shots on target and a 7-2 edge in corner kicks. Tomas Monteiro led the Red Hawks with a game-high three shots on frame, while Maser recorded the lone shot on goal for the Lions.
The shutout marked the seventh of Najdzinowicz’s collegiate career, elevating the sophomore into a tie for ninth-most in program history. The result also handed Montclair State just its second shutout of the season, a notable feat given the Red Hawks had combined for 25 goals across their previous five matches.
TCNJ Hosts Rutgers-Newark for Homecoming Weekend
TCNJ returns home on Saturday, Oct. 10, to host Rutgers-Newark for Homecoming Weekend, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. Ceremonies honoring the 1996 National Championship team are planned for halftime.
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