NEW ROCHELLE, NY — On Thursday, the Monroe College women’s junior varsity soccer team played a spirited season opener against St. Josephs, holding their opponents scoreless for 86 minutes until a late goal made the score 1-0. The game took place in City Park in New Rochelle.
The overmatched Mustangs took the pitch with just 12 players on Thursday, mostly due to injuries. The team, which has only two returners from last season, worked out the kinks early on, learning to communicate and play as a cohesive unit. Monroe generated several scoring options, led mostly by the midfield and forward play from Kathleen Silva.
The score remained deadlocked at 0-0 into halftime. Eventually, the Golden Eagles broke through the stalwart defensive line and netted the match’s lone marker with just three minutes left on the clock. Monroe fell 1-0.
Despite the loss, several players made notable contributions along the back line. Maria Romero led the team from her center back position. Her level-headed playing helped pace the defensive effort and keep the flow of the game for Monroe. Janet Buenrostro-Ramirez was also a key player in back for the Mustangs. Goalie Ingrid de Silva parried nearly 15 shots in the contest, keeping Monroe in the game.
The Monroe College women’s junior varsity soccer team will return to action on Wednesday, August 31, in a match against Lehman College in the Bronx. The kickoff for that contest is still to be announced.