WEST LONG BRANCH, New Jersey – Seniors Omar Aboutaleb and Cannon Tootle provided two second-half goals as the UNCW men's soccer team opened Colonial Athletic Association play with a 2-0 victory over Monmouth on Saturday afternoon at Hesse Field.
The Seahawks improved their record to 1-1-1 with a 1-0 conference mark. The Hawks dipped to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in CAA play in their first game as a league member.
Tootle notched his first goal of the season in the 53rd minute on a free kick into the box taken by senior midfielder Gabe Mercer. After a Monmouth foul on Ryan Graham, the Seahawks quickly reset to set up Tootle's score.
The Seahawks turned back a Hawks' attack in the 81st minute which allowed Aboutaleb to streak forward in open space. The Asheboro, N.C., native shot a pass to the advancing Jack Clarkson, who returned the ball to Aboutaleb to net the insurance goal and give UNCW a 2-0 advantage.
UNCW goalkeeper Gabriel Perrotta recorded three saves in his second shutout of the season, including a key first-half block to lay out and deny a short-range strike from Monmouth's Griffin Tomas.
The Seahawks continue league play with their home opener next Saturday against College of Charleston. Kick-off at UNCW Soccer Stadium is slated for 7 p.m.
