SUFFERN, N.Y. – The Monroe College – Bronx men's soccer team earned an important Region 15 victory on the road over Rockland Community College, 4-1, at Rockland CC Soccer Field on Thursday, September 28.
 
"We put in a nice performance," second-year midfielder Joel David said. "We are progressing really nicely."
 
The Express (3-3-1, 3-3-1 Region 15) scored three goals in the opening half, and added one more in the second stanza, to clinch the victory. Rockland (4-4-0, 4-3-0 Region 15) added a tally late to pull to within three goals, but it would not be enough for the Hawks.
 
"Today was a big step for us trying to make the playoffs," sophomore defender Lorenz Utz said. "We played really good, and I am proud of the whole team."
 
Utz got Monroe – Bronx on the board early, just over six minutes into the contest, as he earned a penalty kick opportunity and lined the ball past the diving opposing goalkeeper to give the Blue and Gold the lead for good. The Express struck again during the 13th minute as sophomore defender James Gallagher took a feed from David, who was on the left wing, and buried the ball into the net from inside the box for his third goal of the season to extend Monroe – Bronx's lead to 2-0.
 
With 19:29 left to play in the opening stanza, Gallagher launched a free kick opportunity from the left side. The ball was redirected off the head of Utz, on the right wing, and then freshman forward Joaquin Castellano poked the ball into the back of the cage, from the center spot deep inside the box, to pad the Express' cushion to 3-0. That would be the score after 45 minutes of play.
 
Gallagher once again played the role of playmaker during the 65th minute as he crossed the ball to sophomore forward Enzo de Oliveira who lined the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net to make it 4-0 in favor of Monroe – Bronx.
 
The Hawks managed a late tally thanks to rookie Morvens Lezin finishing his chance and scoring his first goal of the season, assisted by freshman Jhonn Vasquez. That made the score 4-1 with 7:51 left to play.
 
It would not be enough for Rockland, as Monroe managed to close it out and win the match, 4-1.
 
"We are doing really well now," sophomore midfielder Almonder Alabead said. "I'm very proud."
 
For the afternoon, both teams were even in shots on goal, 7-7, but Rockland had a slight edge in overall shots, 12-10. The Hawks also had the advantage in corner kicks, 5-1.
 
For the Express, rookie goalkeeper Krit Raj Maharjan came up big as he made six saves to help Monroe – Bronx earn the key regional win.
 
For Rockland, sophomore goalkeeper Ignacio Escamilla turned aside three shots.

Monroe – Bronx will host LaGuardia Community College, in a Region 15 matchup, on Tuesday, October 3. The action at Flowers Park Soccer 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).