CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx men's soccer team had a remarkable performance on Sunday afternoon, managing a 1-1 draw against nationally ranked No. 3 Finger Lakes Community College. The contest took place at the FLCC Turf Facility.
Monroe's defense kept fending off the strong pressure that was provided by Finger Lakes' attack. The Express (0-1-1) kept counterattacking which led to scoring chances of their own.
The Blue and Gold cashed in during the 37
th minute as
Abdoulaye Sarr dribbled down the left wing and crossed the ball to
Oumar Barry inside the box, who jumped up and headed the ball past the diving goalkeeper and into the back of the net to give Monroe a 1-0 lead over the perennial national contenders.
"We worked on this play in training," Barry said.
Sarr gave credit to a couple of his teammates during the goal-scoring play. "I received a great pass from
Amedeus Aventurin and it was a great goal by Oumar."
Barry had a golden opportunity to extend the Express' lead with less than two minutes left in the first half, but his point-blank shot sailed just to the left of the target.
Monroe kept the 1-0 lead at the intermission.
In the second half, the Express' defense kept fighting off the Lakers' (2-0-2) blitz in the home team's attacking zone.
With just 7:27 remaining in the contest, Finger Lakes' persistent pressure on the attack earned them an important opportunity as Monroe committed a foul inside its own defensive box. As a result, the Lakers were awarded a penalty kick.
Riley Cooper took advantage and rifled the ball past the diving Express goalkeeper
Nelson Acosta to even the match at a goal apiece.
After that, Monroe was able to withstand a corner kick and a quality scoring chance by the Lakers.
The Express turned the tide and earned an opportunity with 5:46 left on the clock, but a header shot by
Mamadou Top was denied by Finger Lakes' goalkeeper Joshua Koobs.
The Lakers took one last corner kick with 1:07 remaining, but a scoring chance did not occur. Instead, it was a scramble in the box and Monroe kicked the ball out of danger during the closing minute. The clock struck down to zero and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
"I feel very proud of the guys," Express Head Coach
Jose Hernandez said. "I think this team has a lot more coming forward. It's a great team with great individual players and a great coaching staff. I think today proved what we are capable of when we play as a team."
During the afternoon, Finger Lakes had the advantage in shots, 12-6, including a surplus in shots that were on target, 7-3. The home team took all nine corner kicks during the contest.
Acosta had a strong performance in the net for Monroe, stopping six shots, His counterpart, Koobs, made two saves.
Enzo Jarry registered two shots for Monroe, including one on target.
Alanzo McGrath recorded a shot for the Blue and Gold.
Monroe – Bronx will hit the road again on Wednesday against NJCAA Division II Essex County College. The action at Essex County Soccer Field, in West Caldwell, N.J., will begin at 5 p.m.
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). Catch us on YouTube at
www.YouTube.com/MonroeExpress.
