Monmouth University Captures 2021 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship
No. 1 Manhattan College – 9 | No. 2 Monmouth University – 14
2021 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship Game
Gaelic Park | Riverdale, NY
A six-goal outburst by Monmouth University (8-2, 4-2 MAAC) in the second quarter was the turning point in the 2021 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship Game, as the Hawks defeated top-seeded Manhattan College (5-5, 4-3 MAAC) by a final score of 14-9 to capture the program’s second MAAC title. Trailing 3-1 early into the second quarter, Monmouth would proceed to score five consecutive goals in a 4:13 span to take a 6-3 lead. The Hawks would never trail again in the game, as they would use a pair of 3-0 runs in the second half to secure their lead and the conference title.
Monmouth now advances to the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Tournament and will learn their opening round opponent during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Sunday, May 9, at 9 p.m. The Selection Show will be broadcasted on ESPNU.
Monmouth Notes
- Monmouth has won the MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship in both of their appearances in the championship game, the other coming in 2017. They are now one championship behind Canisius College, Marist College, Mount St. Mary’s, Providence College, and Siena College for the conference lead.
- Monmouth’s five-goal victory is the largest margin of victory in the MAAC Championship Game since 2016, when Quinnipiac University defeated Marist, 13-9, for the conference title.
- At 8-2 for the season, this is Monmouth’s best 10 game start in program history.
- Cade Stratton played a critical role in the Hawks’ offense, recording a game-high six points and setting the team-high in goals (3), assists (3), shots (6), shots on goal (4), and tied the team-high in caused turnovers (2).
- Matt Soutar had an impressive day from the X, winning 20-of-27 faceoffs while also tying his own program record for ground balls in a game with 10.
- Nine Hawks tallied at least one goal for the afternoon. Joining Stratton with a multi-goal game were Dwayne Mattushik (2), Zach Clemente (2), and Brock Anderson (2). Max Brooks, David Cormack, Chris Hervada, Connor Macrae, and Mike McIntyre each netted one goal.
- Goalkeeper Noah Lode made 10 saves for Monmouth while facing 28 shots.
- Monmouth held the advantage over Manhattan in ground balls, 33-17.
Manhattan Notes
- This was Manhattan’s first appearance in the MAAC Championship Game since 2009
- Kyle Gucwa’s game-high four goals led the offense for the Jaspers. He also added an assist to his team-leading, five-point day.
- Sean MacKinney and Liam Walshe each recorded two goals for the afternoon. Jake Nicolosi also found the back of the net once for Manhattan.
- Rob Johnson, Justin Malpica and Trevor Pelletier each tallied one assist along with Gucwa, Nicolosi, and Walshe.
- Christian Clifford led the team in both ground balls (3) and caused turnovers (3).
Following the conclusion of the championship game, Monmouth’s Matt Soutar was named the MAAC Championship’s Most Valuable Player. Additionally, the MAAC announced the complete 2021 Men’s Lacrosse All-Championship Team. The full list can be found below:
| Name |
School |
| Keegan Kozack |
Canisius |
| Matt Vavonese |
Canisius |
| Kyle Gucwa |
Manhattan |
| Luke Pacher |
Manhattan |
| Chris Hervada |
Monmouth |
| Noah Lode |
Monmouth |
| Cade Stratton |
Monmouth |
| Brett Dobson |
St. Bonaventure |
| Jake Rosa |
St. Bonaventure |
| MAAC Championship MVP |
Matt Soutar, Monmouth University |
For more information on the 2021 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship, visit MAACSports.com/mlax.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) celebrates its 40
th year of competition during the 2020-21 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.