Enid, Okla. - Monroe opened the 2025 NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer Tournament with a tough 3-2 overtime loss to Cochise College at the Advanced Soccer Complex.

The Mustangs controlled the run of play early and looked composed on the national stage. Monroe struck first in the 26th minute when Julia Machado finished a setup from Wiktoria Mikrut, and the lead doubled eight minutes later after Mikrut converted a feed from Julia Migacz. Monroe entered halftime ahead 2-0 with an 11-2 shot advantage.

Cochise pushed back immediately in the second half, cutting the deficit in the 49th minute. Monroe goalkeeper Magdalena Syrek made several key stops to maintain the advantage, but the Apaches found the equalizer in the 86th minute to force overtime. After a balanced first extra period, Cochise scored the winner in the 108th minute to hand the Mustangs a narrow defeat. Syrek finished with five saves as Monroe closed the match with 14 total shots.

Monroe returns to the field tomorrow for its second match of pool play, taking on No. 1 ranked Daytona State.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, 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 Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).