NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The nationally ranked No. 7 Monroe University - Bronx men's soccer team celebrated Sophomore Day with a convincing 3-0 Region 15 victory over Dutchess Community College, at Flowers Park, on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Express bump their regional record to 8-2-1 (9-2-1 overall).
 
Monroe scored the opening and official match-winning tally in the fifth minute thanks to freshman midfielder Mike Suazo tipping a rebound into the back of the net off a scramble in the box. It marked Suazo's third goal of the season. 
 
Suazo helped set up Monroe's second goal of the afternoon in the 22^nd minute as he shot the ball that was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper but then freshman forward Naim Bakere collected the loose ball and drilled it into cage to extend Monroe's lead to 2-0. Suazo was credited with the assist on the goal.
 
Just over four minutes into the second half, the Express continued to pad their lead as sophomore midfielder Jesfry Franco gathered the ball off a denied shot by the opposing goalkeeper and lined the ball into the net for his first collegiate goal which inflated the Blue and Gold's cushion to 3-0. That ended up being the final score.
 
"I'm very happy with the result," Express Head Men's Soccer Coach Jose Hernandez said. "I want to thank the sophomores for everything they have given to our program and grateful to everyone that helped with a very nice and well-deserved ceremony today."
 
For the afternoon, Monroe had the heavy advantage in shots, 32-10, and shots on goal, 17-5. The Express took nine out of the 12 corner kicks that occurred during the contest.
 
In goal, freshman goalkeeper Dwayne Brown made two saves to earn the win for Monroe. Classmate Raymond Romero stopped three shots for the Express in relief.
 
For Dutchess (2-11-1, 1-9-1 Region 15)), freshman goalkeeper Adrian Ashong made a match-high 11 saves. Rookie netminder Matthew Canzone tallied three saves during his appearance in the second half. 
 
Prior to the match, Monroe University – Bronx honored sophomores Franco, Lincoln Henwood, Chrismonor Eugene, Ashton Wright, Krit Raj Maharjan, Veron Owusu Ansah, Donaven Turner, Hassan Njoya, Clermens Devariste, and Christian Trujillo with a Sophomore Day Ceremony.
 
"I wish them (the Express sophomores) the best in their sports careers and also their personal lives," Hernandez said. 
 
It's a quick turnaround for the Express as they will battle against NJCAA Division II Mercer County Community College on Wednesday afternoon. The action at Flowers Park will begin at 4:00 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University 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 University 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).