NEW ROCHELLE, - N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team opened the 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory in Region 15 play over Borough of Manhattan Community College, 1-0, at Flowers Park on Thursday afternoon.
 
The hero for the Express was freshman forward Juan Ramirez, who scored the match-winning goal during the 75^th minute that broke a 0-0 deadlock and propel the Blue and Gold to the key regional win. Sophomore forward Chrismonor Eugene was credited with the assist on the goal.
 
The Express displayed strong defense during the match, highlighted by freshman goalkeeper Raymond Romero who made six saves to earn the shutout victory.
 
"A really difficult match with a very organized and physically strong opponent," Express Head Coach Jose Hernandez said. "I am very happy and proud of my players for starting our season on the right foot."
 
During the afternoon, the Express had the narrow edge in shots, 20-16, but dominated in corner kick opportunities, 8-1.
 
In the 37^th minute, the Panthers (0-1) had multiple chances to strike first. A shot by first-year Brandon Leon was denied by Romero. Just 44 seconds later, freshman forward Salim Anas continued BMCC's attack by gathering the ball and launching a shot, but the ball sailed high. 
 
The Express produced a pair of chances to take the lead during the late stages of the opening period. Sophomore midfielder Krit Raj Maharjan lined a point-blank shot from inside the box, but it was stopped by rookie goalkeeper Javier Rodriguez, with 4:46 left before the break. Just under two minutes later, Eugene rifled a shot, but Rodriguez made another save. Then, with just 1:05 remaining, freshman midfielder Yohanne Miakatsindila gathered the ball and shot it on net, but Rodriguez was able to snatch it and prevent the ball from going into the net. 
 
The game remained scoreless at the intermission.
 
After both teams exchanged quality scoring chances throughout the second half, Monroe earned a big opportunity with 15:45 remaining in the contest. BMCC committed a foul in its defensive box and Monroe was awarded with a penalty kick. Ramirez took the opportunity but freshman goalkeeper El Momar Coundoul dove to his right and blocked the ball from going into the net to keep the match knotted at zero.

Monroe got the ball right back. Eugene dribbled the ball inside the box and passed it to his right. Ramirez redeemed himself from the missed penalty kick 36 seconds earlier by tipping the ball into the net off Eugene's great delivery, and the Express took a 1-0 advantage with just 15:09 left to play.
 
"I really liked the attitude of my players even after missing the penalty kick," Hernandez said. "They remained focused and quickly managed to score the goal that we needed and deserved throughout the match."
 
Monroe's defense locked down the Panthers' attack for the remainder of the contest, holding the opposition to just two off-target shots during the final 15 minutes of play. The Express went on to earn the shutout victory, 1-0, to start the year 1-0 in the region and overall.
 
Ramirez led the attack for the Express with six shots overall, and four on target. 
 
For the Panthers, Coundoul stopped five shots, while Rodriguez made four saves.
 
Monroe – Bronx will return to Flowers Park on Tuesday for another Region 15 contest, this time against Orange County Community College. The action begins 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).