Montclair, NJ – On October 7, the Montclair State Red Hawks hosted the TCNJ Lions in a men’s soccer matchup that was a back-and-forth thriller until the end. The Red Hawks and Lions played 90 minutes to a 0-0 tie in what was a defensive masterclass by both teams.
The Red Hawks were 10-2 heading into this game, coming off a seven-game winning streak as they were looking to avenge their 2025 NJAC Semifinals loss against TCNJ. The Lions headed into this matchup with a record of five wins and five ties on the season, having yet to suffer a loss in all of 2026.
The first half of the game saw both teams attempt to find the back of the net, though neither could do so.
The Red Hawks back four were able to stop the Lions from getting into scoring range, allowing just one shot in the first half. Montclair State’s defense has been crucial all season in making sure their opponents can’t find good opportunities, and they did just that against TCNJ.
However, TCNJ’s goalkeeper, Sean Najdzinowicz, stopped Montclair State from scoring as well, saving three shots in the first 45 minutes with help from the entire roster.
“They’re very good defensively, they get numbers behind the ball,” said Montclair State head coach Todd Tumelty. “It’s hard to score when the other team gets 10 guys behind the ball, and it makes it difficult.”
The story was much the same in the second half, though the Red Hawks turned up their offensive aggressiveness even more, attempting nine total shots in the last 45 minutes. However, none of them found the back of the net as the Lions completely shut down the net.
Montclair State’s defense continued to do a great job of making sure that the Lions did not find themselves in scoring position, as TCNJ took just two shots in the last half of the outing.
In the last 90 seconds, both teams traded the ball back-and-forth in multiple high-stakes scoring opportunities, though neither was ultimately able to find a goal. As the clock ran down, Montclair State and TCNJ found themselves in a 0-0 tie after 90 full minutes, ending the matchup in a draw after both teams defended to perfection.
“I think our marking, all across the field, is really well,” said Red Hawks midfielder Jake Winchock. “When the ball was getting switched, the left side of the field, everyone was moving as a team. We had a game plan going into it defensively… and I thought we executed it very well.”
This was Montclair State’s first draw of the season, which is something that the Red Hawks coach believes is a learning moment for the team as New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play continues.
“We know that teams are gonna try to stop us… if we don’t get frustrated, stay the course, goals will come,” said Tumelty. “We have to come with the same energy every single day, because that’s what every single game is like playing here.”
Now that the two NJAC rivals drew against each other 0-0, both teams are looking to get back in the winning column on October 10 in big conference matchups.
TCNJ, who now holds an unorthodox and still undefeated record of 5-0-6, will host Rutgers-Newark at home in what will be the Lions’ homecoming game. They’ll look to get another win over a tough opponent as Rutgers-Newark is currently 2-1 in conference games.
For Montclair State, they’ll travel down to Galloway this weekend to take on Stockton. The Red Hawks are favored to get a win over the Ospreys in a game that could put them back in the winning column.
