Real Central TLfC team earns late draw against FC Monmouth

June 14th, 2026

West Windsor, NJ- Real Central NJ snatched a point from the jaws of defeat with a 1-1 draw against FC Monmouth in The League for Clubs on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. A late goal and penalty save gave the home side a positive result against the Northeast Conference - South Division leaders.  

FC Monmouth, who came into the match with 13 points to Real Central NJ’s 3, had a clear edge in possession during the first 15 minutes of the game. The visitors got a fantastic look at goal in the 22nd minute when Patrick Shaw fired from close range. But a fine hand save by Real Central NJ goalkeeper Eric Norowski kept the game scoreless.

Real Central NJ had a wonderful chance of their own in the 34th minute when Jasper Cox made a fine pass to Daniil Kaban who was ready in a shooting position from about 13 yards out. Kaban let loose with a missile that soared over the net and the game remained tied.

A tremendous play by Shaw put FC Monmouth ahead in the 45th minute. Shaw flicked a pass to himself and rattled the back of the net with a shot from short distance. Even though the home side had gone toe-to-toe with the division leaders for nearly the entire half, they found themselves behind going into the break, 1-0.

FC Monmouth did a nice job of shutting the doors on Real Central NJ to open the second half. Real Central NJ didn’t get a chance until the 74th minute but it was a good one. While in traffic, Daniil Kaban powered his way up into the air to make good contact with his head on a ball into the box. But the football sailed wide right and FC Monmouth were still in the lead. 

FC Monmouth almost put the game away in the 82nd minute when Shaw made a beautiful pass to Nicholas Turturro on the rush. Turturro had an excellent look at goal but shot high and the game remained 1-0.

Real Central NJ got the equalizer they needed in the 84th minute when Kaban sent a left-footed cross to Roan Harrington just inside the box. Harrington took a touch to steady the ball and fired it into the lower-right corner. It was a tremendous pass by Kaban up who was up against the byline and being defended closely. Harrington rewarded the pass by turning it into an assist with a brilliant finish and the game was level at 1-1.

Still, FC Monmouth had a glorious chance when Real Central NJ defender Santiago Lopez was called for a penalty inside the 18-yard box in the 87th minute. The penalty shot was taken by Shaw and it wasn’t his best effort. It went directly at Norowski who gobbled it up to secure the draw for Real Central NJ. 

Roan Harrington was Player of the Match for Real Central NJ. Beyond the goal, Harrington created chances for his teammates and himself. He was impressive on and off the ball during the game. 

The Player of the Match honor could’ve also gone to goalkeeper Eric Norowski. Norowski was always in position and his calm demeanor during the penalty shot allowed him to deny the opportunity without a rebound.

Next up for Real Central NJ in tLFC is a Wednesday night game against Atlantic City FC. It should be another good test. Atlantic City FC are currently second in the division with nine points.  Kickoff is 7 pm at Mercer County Community College.