MONTCLAIR, N.J. — The New Jersey City University women's soccer team headed up to Montclair to open New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play this afternoon, Friday, Sept. 22, taking on Montclair State University. The Gothic Knights were outscored 6-2 by the #11-ranked Red Hawks.

NJCU (2-4-1, 0-1 NJAC) was pressured early by the Red Hawks (5-1, 1-0 NJAC), who took two early shots in the first few minutes of action. Sophomore keeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) defended the Gothic Knights net, but in the third minute, Montclair took a 1-0 lead. Just a minute and half later, NJCU found themselves in a 2-0 deficit. Sophomore midfielder Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) tried to get the Gothic Knights on the board, but the Red Hawks keeper made the save. In the 19th minute, Montclair extended its lead to 3-0. Both teams would trade shots the rest of the half, with the Gothic Knights looking to come back stronger in the remaining 45.

Alvarenga got the Gothic Knights on the board in the 51st minute on a ball from freshman forward Bella Moore (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee). NJCU cut the Montclair lead to one in the 55th minute by sophomore midfielder Joselyn Reyes (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield), with Alvarenga picking up the assist this time. The Red Hawks answered back with two goals of their own in the 58th and 60th minutes. NJCU was unable to get any shots off after the Reyes goal, and Montclair sealed the deal with another goal in the 88th minute, bringing the score to 6-2, which would be the final.

Up Next: 
NJCU returns home on Monday, Sept. 25, to host Brooklyn College before returning to NJAC play. Monday's match is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Robert L. McNulty Soccer Field.