WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Iker Carew scored in the 83rd minute to bring College of Charleston within a goal, but the comeback attempt fell short in a 2-1 loss at Monmouth on Saturday night.

The Hawks scored in both halves to drop Charleston to 2-2-5 and 1-1-2 in the CAA while Monmouth improved to 5-2-3 and 2-0-2 in conference play. The Cougars were unable to convert several good scoring chances earlier in the game in taking their second loss after opening the season with two wins and five draws. 

Monmouth took a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute on a PK following a handball in the box. A foul on an apparent goal denied Charleston the equalizer before halftime, and a shot by Peter Thomas hit the post six minutes into the second.

The best chance for the Cougars prior to their goal, however, came in the 56th minute when a PK attempt by Carew was saved by Eryk Dymora. Charleston finished the night with a 14-13 lead in shots, and its attack produced 10 corner kicks. 

"I thought the guys put in a good performance tonight. We had a number of chances that we didn't finish, and you can't expect to win on the road when you don't take your chances," said head coach Keith Wiggans. "We are a good team, but we just have to start putting together better performances.

"It will be nice to be back at Patriots Point for three games after being on the road for the last three."

Carew's goal was his first of the season and fourth of his career, and Leonardo D'Ambrosio was credited with his team-leading fourth assist. Eric Wnorowski, a transfer from Vassar, made his first appearance in a Cougar uniform and made three saves.

Charleston returns home for the first time since September 16 when Queens visits Ralph Lundy Field for a 7 p.m. match.