JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University women's soccer team opened its 2023 campaign this afternoon, Friday, Sept. 1, hosting St. Joseph's University-Long Island at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex on Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field. The visiting Golden Eagles spoiled the Gothic Knights season-opener as they took the match, 2-0.

NJCU (0-1) traded shot-for-shot with the Golden Eagles (1-0) early in the first half, including one by freshman midfielder Bella Moore (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) in her debut. Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) protected the net from several Golden Eagle attacks, but St. Joe's was unrelenting. In the 39th minute, SJLI broke through the Gothic Knight defense and took a 1-0 lead. The Golden Eagles scored again just two minutes later, shortly after a Gothic Knight deflection just outside of their penalty box. NJCU would take two more shots in the first half, but trailed 2-0 halfway through.

In the second half, the Gothic Knights outshot St. Joe's, 6-5, but were unable to get any past the Golden Eagles' keeper. Mannino protected the net for NJCU, making two more saves. However, despite a much better second half defensively, the NJCU offense was unable to bring the squad back into the game.

Up Next:
The NJCU women's soccer team looks to bounce back following a four-day break, taking on the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., on Wednesday evening, Sept. 6. That match is scheduled for kickoff at 7:00 p.m.