New Rochelle, N.Y. – Despite outshooting Monroe Community College, 12-5, the Monroe College women's soccer team fell in the season opener, 2-1, on Friday afternoon at City Park.  Entering the game, the Mustangs were ranked #1 nationally, while the Tribunes were #10.
 
Monroe got off to a slow start in the first few minutes of play.  MCC controlled possession early on and took a 1-0 lead in the 14^th minute. 
Less than four minutes later, the Mustangs evened the score on a fortuitous play.  Gabriela Braga had possession along the goal line and played the ball into the penalty area for a teammate.  The Tribunes goalie leaped to catch the ball and it deflected off her shoulder and went into the net.  The game was tied at 1-1.
 
From there, Monroe pressed the ball forward, creating several scoring chances.  There best chance to go ahead came in the 39^th minute when Melissa Gonzalez took a shot on goal that had to be saved by the Monroe C.C. keeper.  MCC scored their second goal late in the half and led at the break, 2-1.
 
The second half saw Monroe dominate possession once again.  The team pushed the attack and created several scoring chances.  In the 72^nd minute, Maia Williams stole the ball off an errant pass.  The freshman dribbled down the right side and blasted a shot that was headed inside the far post.  The goal parried the shot at the last minute to force a corner kick and keep the Mustangs off the score.
 
Monroe had another auspicious opportunity to even the score at the 86:57 mark.  After winning a corner, Elysa Virella bent the ball into the 18-yard box.  From there, Kathellen Sousa jumped above the defense, put a head on the ball and flicked it to the near side of the goal.  The ball hit the post and caromed to safety.  The Tribunes were able to run out the clock and escape with a 2-1 victory.
 
Tiffany Martinez made a pair of saves in goal for the Mustangs.  Braga had a game-best four shots.  Aline Delima took three attempts.
 
The Monroe College women's soccer team returns to the pitch on Friday, September 11, when they play a pair of games from Laramie Community College in Wyoming.  The team returns to City Park on Tuesday, September 22, for a matchup with Ocean County College.