NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The Monroe University men's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Dominican University of New York in their season finale on Tuesday afternoon at Skidelsky Field, as Samuel Opoku scored the decisive penalty-shot goal in the 90th minute to lift the Mustangs to victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Monroe controlled much of the attacking play throughout the contest, generating several scoring opportunities in a scoreless first half. The Mustangs tested Dominican goalkeeper Miguel Hernandez early and often, with Peterson Aquino, Brunno Rhyan and Matthew Murray-Smith among those putting shots on target. Hernandez kept the visitors in the game, making six saves in the opening half as the teams entered the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The Mustangs continued to press after halftime, with Aquino striking the post in the 51st minute. Monroe maintained the offensive pressure and created additional chances through corner kicks and shots from the attacking third, but Dominican's defense held firm as the clock continued to wind down.
With the match headed toward a scoreless finish, Monroe finally broke through in the 90th minute. Opoku found the back of the net on a penalty-shot goal at 89:03 to give the Mustangs the late lead. Monroe's defense held on over the closing moments to secure the 1-0 victory and a clean sheet.
STATS & NOTES
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Monroe outshot Dominican, 18-8, and held an 11-0 advantage in shots on goal.
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The Mustangs finished with six corner kicks, compared to Dominican's five.
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Monroe recorded its shutout victory behind a combined effort from Lancaster and Sargin.
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The Mustangs finished the 2026 season with to 8-6-2 record with the win.
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Aquino finished the season leading the Mustangs in goals with 11 on the year.
- Sargin and Lancaster each finished the year with three wins in net and GAA's under two.
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Both goalies combined for teams second shutout win of the season.
