NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team showcased its most complete performance of the season with a 4-0 Region 15 victory over Queensborough Community College on Saturday afternoon at Flowers Park. Monroe improves to 3-2 overall and 3-1 in Region 15 play with the shutout win. 

The Express came out with high energy and capitalized almost immediately. Just 67 seconds into the match, Brando Tuba opened the scoring when he timed his run perfectly and headed home a cross from Juan Ramirez. The goal gave the Express a quick 1-0 advantage and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. 

Monroe continued to dominate possession throughout the opening half. Jason Chunchi and Alejandro Aguilar tested the opposing goalkeeper with shots from distance, while Mamadou Top forced multiple saves with his relentless attacking presence. Despite 17 shots in the opening 45 minutes, the Express carried just a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half is where the Express' attack fully broke through, led by the brilliance of Top. In the 59th minute, Chunchi slipped a perfectly weighted pass behind the defense, and Top calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Less than a minute later, Chunchi once again connected with Top, who found himself in space and tucked away his second goal of the match, doubling The Express' lead to 3-0 in a matter of moments.

Top wasn't done yet. With Monroe earning a corner kick in the 81st minute, Kevin Chipantiza delivered a pinpoint ball into the box. Rising above the defense, Top powered home a header to complete his hat trick and put the match out of reach at 4-0.

For the afternoon, Top finished with six shots on target and three goals, recording the first hat trick of the season for the Express. He has now scored five goals over the past two matches. Tuba scored the first goal of Saturday's campaign, while Chunchi contributed two assists. Ramirez and Chipantiza each added one helper.

Statistically, the Express' dominance was overwhelming as they outshot Queensborough 30-6, including a 15-1 margin in shots on goal. The Express also earned six corner kicks compared to just two for the visitors and kept constant pressure on the backline with a balanced attack.

Defensively, the Express remained organized and disciplined. Juan Lucero and McKale Thomas anchored the back line, breaking up counterattacks and clearing dangerous balls from the defensive third. Goalkeeper Angel Grijalva made one save in just over 60 minutes of action before giving way to Kimany Arzu, who closed out the final 29 minutes to preserve the clean sheet.

With the win, the Express look to continue the momentum as the season progresses. The Express will return to action on Tuesday in another regional matchup against LaGuardia Community College at Flowers Park. The action 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).