Cleveland, Ohio – Senior forward Neco Brett recorded a double-brace against Cleveland State, accounting for the all the Robert Morris University men's soccer team's scoring in a 4-1 victory at Krenzler Field Sunday night. It's the second four-goal performance by Brett and his third hat trick, a feat that ties him with Jacek Przednowek (2005-07) for most all-time.
 
"Neco worked like a maniac," said RMU head coach Bill Denniston. "You always have a chance to win with a guy like him on the team, and that was the difference tonight. I've only had three or four goal-scorers like him since I've been coaching and he's the best of the bunch."
 
The Colonials improve to 2-0 on the season, the first time they've opened a year with back-to-back victories since 2007. Sunday was the season opener for Cleveland State.
 
While Brett stole the spotlight, the RMU defense should not be overlooked. They were stout across the back once again, allowing just 10 shots. Senior goalkeeper Brenden Alfery made four saves, the only goal coming on a penalty kick. In two games, the Colonials have allowed just 17 shots and one goal.
 
"Again, we defended like maniacs," said Denniston. "They only had a few chances, and all but two or three of their shots were from well outside. We had limited chances again, but our counterattack is unbelievable right now. We only took seven shots, but six of them were on net and four went in."
 
Brett, who has led the nation in points and goals the last two seasons, tallied the only marker of the first half with a penalty kick score in the game's 21st minute.
 
Jared Latchford set up Brett's second score, sending a cross in from the right wing to the top of the box. Brett controlled from there, cutting to net from the top of the box before depositing a shot in the right corner in the 55th minute. A similar play developed into Brett's third goal 15 minutes later. This time a cross off the foot of Lucas Puntillo was headed home by Brett.
 
"Those two crosses were picture perfect. Jared and Lucas couldn't have delivered those any better. It looked just like they were all alone on the practice field," said Denniston.
 
Cleveland State erased the Colonials bid for a clean sheet in the 80th minute when Sergio Manesio tallied a penalty kick goal. Brett, however, still found time for one more goal. He stole the ball late in the contest, then found the right corner again to make the final 4-1 with nine seconds remaining.
 
Robert Morris plays its home opener Friday, Sept. 4, when Saint Peter's visits North Athletic Complex for a 4:00 p.m. game.