BATAVIA, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team opened the 2026 regular season with a loss to nationally ranked No. 10 Genesee Community College, 5-0, at GCC Turf Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Express (0-1) were led by freshman goalkeeper
Nelson Acosta who made six saves in his collegiate debut.
Monroe successfully held off the Cougars' (2-0) relentless attack for the first 24 minutes of the contest. However, Genesee broke through in the 25
th minute as Matthew McLardie tipped the ball into the net off a pass by George Falzon to give the home team a 1-0 benefit.
The Cougars continued the momentum by scoring two quick goals (Falzon in the 33
rd minute and Ronnie Johnston-Allen in the 34
th minute) to put Monroe in a three-goal disadvantage.
During the 35
th minute, Monroe had a golden opportunity as
Oumar Barry dribbled the ball and was one on one with the opposing goalkeeper. However, Jonathan Van de Lagemaat denied Barry to keep it a three-goal benefit for Genesee.
Finn Hansford scored the final two goals of the afternoon for the Cougars, the first on a penalty kick in the 41
st minute and the second during the 69
th minute. Genesee went on to win the contest.
The Cougars outshot the Express during the afternoon, 22-6 (11-3 in shots that were on target). Genesee took 15 of the 17 corner kicks that occurred during the contest.
Oumar had three shots on goal for Monroe.
Abdoulaye Sarr,
Maynor Palacios, and
Alanzo McGrath each registered a shot for the Express.
Van de Lagemaat stopped three shots for Genesee during the afternoon to earn the shutout victory.
Monroe – Bronx will conclude the season-opening weekend Upstate New York trip on Sunday against nationally ranked No. 3 Finger Lakes Community College. The action at FLCC Turf Valley in Canandaigua, N.Y. will begin at noon.
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