HYDE PARK, N.Y. - The Monroe College - Bronx men's soccer team was victorious in its final regular season match over Dutchess Community College, 6-4, at Culinary Institute of America Soccer Field on Tuesday afternoon, October 17. With the win, the Express (6-5-1, 6-5-1 Region 15) secure the sixth and final spot in the upcoming Region 15 Tournament. Had Monroe lost the match, the Blue and Gold would have been eliminated from playoff contention and Rockland Community College would have earned the final playoff position.

"The harder you work for something, the greater you'll feel when you achieve it," Monroe College - Bronx Interim Head Coach Jose Hernandez said, regarding his team's rally to a regional postseason berth.

The sixth-seeded Express will battle the No. 3-seed, and nationally ranked No. 7, Ulster County Community College, in the opening round of the Region 15 Tournament, on Thursday afternoon, October 19. The action at Bard College will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Leading the way for Monroe in its playoff-clinching victory over Dutchess was sophomore defender James Gallagher who netted a hat trick and added an assist. 

The Express scored four goals in the opening period, and added two more in the second half, to take a commanding 6-0 advantage. The Falcons (2-10, 2-9 Region 15) scored the match's final four goals but it was not enough as the Blue and Gold were able to hang on for the key victory.

Sophomore midfielder Khwezi Gema, freshman forward Delpiero Gedeon, and sophomore midfielder Joel David also found the back of the net for Monroe. David also had an assist, as did sophomore defender Lorenz Utz, freshman midfielder Mahmodu Trawally, and sophomore defender Christian Schmidt. 

In goal, sophomore goalkeeper Vitor de Oliveira made four saves to earn his second victory of the season between the posts.

During the afternoon, Monroe had the advantage over Dutchess in shots on target, 11-8.

Check out MonroeExpress.com, as well as our social media channels, for updates regarding Thursday's Region 15 first-round matchup between Monroe - Bronx and Ulster County. 

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe College marching band, and the newly added esports and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.

For more information about the Monroe Express, please visit us at www.MonroeExpress.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Express), Twitter/X (@MonroeExpress), Instagram (@MonroeExpress), and Threads (@MonroeExpress).