WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- The Lafayette College men's soccer team defeated Monmouth University in a 1-0 contest on Tuesday night as junior Chris Gomez's penalty kick goal proved to be the difference at Hesse Field. 

After a scoreless first half that saw zero shots on goal, Gomez found an opportunity in the game's 56th-minute as he earned a penalty kick and made the most of it to give the Leopards (1-1) a 1-0 advantage. 

Freshman Alex Sutton had another strong performance in net for the Maroon and White as he was up to the challenge the only time Monmouth (0-2) tested him, giving him one save on the evening. 

The backline of senior Joe DeStefano, juniors Christian Williams and Diego Gomera-Tavarez, and sophomore Andrew Venezia were all excellent providing support to the young netminder. Both DeStafano and Williams played all 90 minutes while Williams added a shot attempt to his stat line. 

Gomez's goal was the third of his Lafayette career as the Jamison, Pennsylvania native now has seven points to his name.

The Leopards will be back in action on Sept. 1 when they travel to Stony Brook for the second game of a three game road trip. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. 

For the latest on the Lafayette College men's soccer program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMSOC, Facebook at Lafayette College Men's Soccer, and Instagram @Lafayette_MSOC.