LA PLUME, PA (September 17, 2019) --- Justin Decoteau put home his first career goal in the 77th minute to give the King's College men's soccer team a 2-1 victory over Keystone College on Tuesday evening in La Plume.

The win for the Monarchs (5-1-0) was their fifth straight while stopping Keystone's (5-2-0) four-match winning streak. The win was also King's fourth victory this year on the road in four tries.

The Monarchs came out strong taking the opening kickoff downfield with Fabio Massa delivering a strike on goal just 30 seconds in. His shot was knocked back into play by Keystone keeper Erick Gomez. Pat Holton collected the loose ball and had a great opportunity at the goal, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. The Giants responded with some offense of their own earning two corner kicks but were only able to muster a header wide against the King's defense.

The Monarchs countered the Giant attack in the ninth minute as Quentin Szeker-Cortes put a direct kick on goal from 30 yards out on the left side. Gomez was just able to keep the ball out of net, but he was not as successful on King's next shot. Late in the 10th minute Massa scored his second goal of the year on a bomb from outside the box following a volley from Aidan Oyler. The goal was Massa's eighth of his career while Oyler recorded the first assist and point of his career.

King's kept the pressure on the Giants as Kevin Kolaski had a shot blocked and Aidan DeCamillo had his deep attempt sailed wide left. The Monarchs had a great chance in the 34th minute as Keystone turned the ball over in King's offensive end of the field. The Monarchs were able to earn a corner out of the turnover before Nik Verma had three attempts at goal. His first shot was blocked, his rebounded shot appeared destined for the back of the net as he caught the keeper out of position, but a Giant defender stepped in front of the shot keeping it out. His third attempt on a header was grabbed by the keeper.

Keystone evened the score in the 42nd minute following a Monarch being shown a red card. Connor McKeown saved the direct kick by Carlos Bonilla but was unable to hold onto the ball. Daniel Zuniga streaked in and tapped the ball to Oscar Angel-Velasque who scored his first goal of the season.

Despite playing the whole second half a man down, King's out shot the Giants and put on a impressive performance with strong defense and timely offense. Alastair Dinnan nearly made Keystone pay for a bad turnover near the top of the box in the 50th minute but his attempt at goal went high. A couple minutes later he had another great chance following a cross from the right side. Gomez was able to keep the match even with a save on the ball to the lower right of the net.

Matthew Hesse had a couple great chances in the 70th-through-72nd minutes. He first shot was a long free kick that Gomez was able to knock over the bar. A couple minutes later his shot a rocket tht just hit off the right post and back onto the field of play. His third attempt 20 seconds later was knocked over the goal line by Gomez setting up a corner kick.

Despite the strong play King's was unable to break the tie until the 77th minute. Hesse started the buildup by dribbling the ball down the right side towards the goal line. Right as he got to the line, he sent a cross in towards the front of the goal. Will Brack was there in front of the keeper to knock the ball to Decoteau who found the back of the net.

The Monarchs were able to hold off a Giant attack in the last 10 minutes including a great defensive play in the 86th minute as a header by Carlos Bonilla looked destined for the upper right but a Monarch defender got his head on the ball knocking it away.

King's held a 20-10 shot advantage in the match including 11-4 on goal. In the second half the Monarchs outshot Keystone 9-5 with only two shots going on goal for the Giants. The Monarchs also held a 7-4 advantage on corner kicks. McKeown made two saves in goal to pick up his second win of the year.

The Monarchs will look to continue their strong play on Saturday with a road match at Cabrini University in Radnor, PA. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm from Edith Robb Dixon Field.