NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team fell just short to the defending Region 15 champions, Nassau Community College, by a score of 2-1 at Flowers Park on Saturday afternoon. The loss snaps Monroe's eight-match unbeaten streak against regional opponents.

The Express drop to 7-2-1 in Region 15 play (7-4-1 overall), good for fifth place in the regional standings. The Lions bump their way into fourth place at 8-2-0 in the region (8-2-0 for the season). The top eight teams in the standings at the end of the regular season will qualify for the Region 15 playoffs.

Monroe struck first less than six minutes into the match as Salim Anas crossed it to Brando Tuba who tipped the ball into the net for his ninth tally of the year to give the Express a 1-0 benefit.

Nassau took control of the play for the remainder of the half by outshooting the Blue and Gold, 7-2, during the final 32:41 of the stanza. Kimany Arzu made three saves for the Express during that stretch to keep the match at 1-0 in favor of Monroe heading into the intermission.

The Lions finally cashed in on their opportunities early in the second half as Alexis Gomez lined the ball towards the net and it was headed into the back of the cage by Christian Cabrera to even the match at a goal apiece during the 54^th minute. 

Just under five minutes later, Monroe committed a foul inside its defensive box which awarded a penalty-kick opportunity for Nassau. Jeremy Ramos took the kick and was able to drill it past the diving Arzu to give the Lions their first lead of the afternoon, 2-1, with 31:30 remaining.

Mamadou Top had a couple of opportunities to even the match for the Express. He had a point-blank shot in the 68^th minute that was denied by opposing goalkeeper Bryan Hernandez. In the 72^nd minute, Top rifled another shot but this time it sailed just over the net. 

The Express were unable to generate many chances after that, and Nassau went on to earn the key regional win.

For the afternoon, the Express were outshot by the Lions 15-8, including 7-3 in shots that were on target. Each team compiled five corner kicks.

Arzu made five saves for the Blue and Gold. Hernandez stopped a pair of shots for the Lions to earn the win between the posts.

Monroe will hit the road and take on Dutchess Community College on Tuesday afternoon. The Region 15 action at Poughkeepsie Field will begin at 4 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).