NEW HAVEN, Conn.–The Monroe University–New Rochelle men's soccer team (1-0-0 overall) opened the 2026 transition season with a 3-1 victory over Southern Connecticut State University (0-1-0 overall). The win marked their first win against an NCAA Division II program in the program's history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
· After 38 of scoreless play in the opening half, Takuto Kawase ripped a goal from the 20-yard line over the goaltender's head, which put the Mustangs ahead 1-0, 38:50 into the first half.
· In the second half, the Owls countered with a goal by Giancarlo Ciotli just 2:49 into the half to even the score at 1-1.
· The Mustangs then responded as Kelvin Yengbie knocked the ball over the goalie's head to give Monroe a 2-1 lead, 63:47 into the game.
· Monroe sealed the victory coming 67:56 into the game as Peterson Aquino fired a shot over the goalie's head into the net to give the Mustangs the 3-1 lead and victory.
STATS AND NOTES
· The win for the Mustangs marked their first win against an NCAA Division II program in program history.
· Yengbie scored his third career goal as a Mustang and first in two seasons.
· Aquino scored his first goal of his Mustangs career, as did Takuto.
· With the victory, the Mustangs take the overall series lead 1-0.
· Thursday's match was the program's first official game against an NCAA Division II opponent.
UP NEXT
· The Mustangs return to action on Sunday, August 30, when they travel to face Mercy University. Game-time is set for 3:30 p.m.
