MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. - The Monroe College - Bronx men's soccer team earned a hard-fought Region 15 victory on the road over Orange County Community College, 2-0, at Chris Chachis Soccer Field on Tuesday afternoon, September 12. Sophomore defender Lorenz Utz produced both goals for the Express, with each tally occurring in the final 16 minutes of play.

The official match-winning goal from Utz was set up off a penalty kick opportunity during the 74th minute. Although his penalty shot was denied by the opposing goalkeeper, Utz gathered his own rebound and lined the ball into the back of the cage to break a scoreless tie. Nine minutes later, sophomore midfielder Khwezi Gema rifled the ball towards the net which was headed in by Utz for his second of the match, and third of the season, to pad Monroe's advantage to 2-0 with just over seven minutes left to play.

The Express (1-2-0, 1-2-0 Region 15) were able to shut down the Colts (0-1-1, 0-1-1 Region 15) the rest of the way to earn their first victory of the season.

In net, freshman goalkeeper Krit Raj Maharjan made three saves to earn his first collegiate win between the posts for Monroe - Bronx.

The victory by the Express also marks the first for Jose Hernandez as interim head coach of the program. "I am very proud of the team," Hernandez said. "It's important we keep it up. Hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard."

Monroe - Bronx will conclude its three-match Region 15 road trip at Bronx Community College, on Tuesday, September 19. The action at Ohio Field will begin at 4:00 p.m. 

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).