BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team pulled off an unforgettable comeback, capped by a last-five-second game-winner by Miguel Espinal, to defeat Kingsborough Community College, 4-3, on Tuesday afternoon at Wave Field. With the thrilling victory, the Express improve to  6-2-0 overall and 6-1-0 in Region 15 play.

"I'm really proud of each and every one of my players," Express Head Coach Jose Hernandez said.

The Express showed their resilience after falling behind 2-0 early, finding their first breakthrough in the 33rd minute when Salim Anas redirected a cross from Jason Chunchi into the net to put Monroe on the board. Kingsborough (6-4-1, 5-2-1 Region 15) added a goal less than four minutes later to take its second two-goal lead of the afternoon at 3-1 and that was the score at the intermission.

"We started very poorly, confused, and very disorganized, and that led to the first half ending 3-1 down," Hernandez said. 

After regrouping at halftime, the Express came out firing. Just over a minute into the second half, Brando Tuba buried his chance from Chunchi to cut the deficit to one. 

In the 72nd minute, Juan Ramirez showcased his composure with a right-footed finish from the middle of the box, leveling the score at 3-3 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

That finish came in storybook fashion. With under five seconds remaining, Naim Bakere sent a perfect service into the box. Rising high, Espinal powered home a header with just five seconds left on the clock, igniting celebrations from the Express bench and sealing the 4-3 victory.

"In the second half, I was confident that we would come through and pull off the comeback, even with five seconds left," Hernadez said. "I always maintained a positive mentality, and the guys were also very focused on turning the game around."

The Express dominated statistically, firing 28 shots with 12 on goal, and showcasing relentless attacking pressure throughout the match. Chunchi stood out with two crucial assists, and is now tied with Chrismonor Eugene ('24) for the program's all-time single-season record with nine helpers so far this year, while Bakere added another on the game-winning goal.

Defensively, goalkeeper Angel Grijalva was outstanding in the second half, recording six key saves to shut the door and give Monroe the chance to complete the comeback.

In a match filled with heart and determination, the Express proved their ability to rise to the moment. They will look to build on the dramatic win when they return home to Flowers Park on Thursday for another Region 15 battle, this time against nationally ranked No. 7 Westchester Community College. Kickoff is 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).