WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ -- The Delaware men's soccer team lost its fifth straight game on Saturday - the Blue Hens' first 0-5 start since 1994 - falling 2-1 at Monmouth despite a late goal from senior midfielder Tal Blau (right).

The Hens and Hawks were deadlocked at zero until just before halftime, when Monmouth's Damon Wilson scored on a free kick by Tom Gray at the 43:11 mark. Gray added a goal of his own ten minutes into the second half, firing in a shot from the top of the box.

Blau put the Blue Hens (0-5) on the board in the 79th minute, scoring his first goal of the season on a feed from junior forward Tolu Olowolafe. The goal ended a 353:28 Delaware scoreless streak that dated back to the squad's season-opening loss at Duke. Olowolafe has assisted on both of UD's goals this year.

Delaware managed a few chances in the final minutes, but Monmouth (4-1) maintained the margin until the final whistle.

The Hawks showed why they are ranked second in the North Atlantic region in the most recent NSCAA/adidas poll, attacking early and often. They out-shot the Hens 17-7 (10-2 in the first half) and earned six corner kicks to UD's one. Delaware kept pace in shots on goal, though, as both teams had five.

The Hens, who haven't played a home game yet this season, fell to 1-4-1 all-time against Monmouth.

Junior goalkeeper Taylor Thames collected five saves for Delaware, while sophomore midfielder Paul Danaher led the Hens with three shots.

Delaware plays its long-awaited home opener on Friday, when Fordham visits the UD Mini-Stadium at 7 p.m.

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