NEW YORK — Columbia scored just 54 seconds into Friday night's match against Monmouth and went on to earn its first clean sheet of the season, defeating the Hawks, 2-0, at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
 
Rookie midfielder Uri Zeitz put away the first-minute goal, which was the quickest in a match by the Lions since 2005. Danny Laranetto earned the assist, bringing the ball down the far side of the field and serving it in on the ground for Zeitz, who buried the first-time finish from eight yards. The goal was Zeitz's second of the season.
 
"This was an important win to lead us in the right direction," Zeitz said. "It gives the team a boost and it just ups the morale of the team."
 
The quick strike proved to be all Columbia needed to improve to 2-3-2 on the year. An own goal just 48 seconds before halftime doubled the home side's lead and first-year keeper Michael Collodi made seven saves to earn his first collegiate shutout. Two of Collodi's saves came in spectacular fashion, turning away a penalty taken by Pablo Fonseca in the 75th minute and stopping the second effort from close range moments later.
 
"Getting the win and the shutout just gives us confidence as a team," Collodi stated. "We've been working to improve our defense and tonight shows that it's been paying off. It gives us good momentum going into Ivy League."
 
Columbia showed good moments in both halves. A Laranetto cross in the 28th minute nearly produced another Zeitz goal. John Denis headed it back out to the first-year in space at the top of the penalty area, but Zeitz's hard drive at goal was blocked before it could get there.
 
The Lions created more opportunities throughout the opening 45 minutes. Max Gonzalez entered a half hour in and slipped behind Monmouth's back line on a through ball played over the top by Beto Carrillo. Gonzalez chased down the ball in the far corner and sent it through the box for Avi Eller, only to see Eller's left-footed attempt go wide of goal.
 
The lead finally doubled in the final minute of the half. John Denis sent in a corner that Matthew Swain headed toward goal. The initial attempt was knocked away but recollected by Swain, who touched it ahead to Eller. This time, Eller's left-footed effort beat the keeper but hit the post. Monmouth's Ebenezer Owusu raced toward the bouncing ball to try and clear it away from the oncoming Eller and accidentally sent it right into his own net for a 2-0 Columbia advantage.
 
"We established something for ourselves in the first half," Columbia head coach Kevin Anderson stated. "The game is tactical as much as it is anything. For us, it was about picking and choosing tactical moments, which we did in the second half. The first half was a little bit different for us and in the second half they had more possession. However, Monmouth had to push the game and we were positioned to absorb the game and try and counter. We created some good chances and tactically I was happy with the second half."
 
Monmouth's only true threat of the second half came off a set piece. John Antunes sent in a free kick from about 30 yards toward the penalty area. The ball was headed up in the air and a scramble ensued in front of goal. Senior Andrew Stevens tried to win the ball but was deemed to have fouled Fonseca from behind by referee David Breckner, who awarded the penalty.
 
Collodi came to the rescue, saving Fonseca's penalty with an outstretched foot, quickly getting back to his feet and turning away a second effort that was taken no more than three yards away from him. The deflection off the second save came out to Laranetto, who cleared it away to dispose of the opportunity.
 
"We expect the same from every guy, whether he be in his first year or last year with us, whether he plays 90 minutes or he doesn't," Anderson went on to say "We train probably five times more than we play games. What we expect from everybody is the same. We need guys to show up and add value to the team in every way that they possibly can and to help our team be the best we can be in all facets. I'm happy for [Michael and Uri] tonight and I think [their efforts] are a reflection of the entire group."
 
Columbia will have an eight-day layoff from game action before returning next Saturday, Oct. 5, to host Brown for the start of Ivy League play. Kickoff from Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium will take place at 1 p.m.
 
For the latest on the Columbia men's soccer program, follow @ColumbiaMSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaMensSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.