JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The NJCU women's soccer team faced Montclair State in their NJAC opener on Saturday, Sept. 28, ending in a scoreless draw. Junior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) delivered a standout performance, recording a season-best 10 saves to keep the Gothic Knights undefeated.

NJCU (4-0-4) managed eight shots, with four on target, while Montclair State (2-3-5) outshot the Gothic Knights with a total of 19 shots, including 10 on target. The Red Hawks' 13 fouls and 11 offsides helped NJCU maintain their defensive composure.

The Green and Gold had a strong first half, firing six shots with three on goal. However, Montclair State dominated offensively in the second half, tallying 12 shots, six of which were on target.

In the 66th minute, a foul by NJCU inside the box led to a penalty kick for the Red Hawks. The shot aimed at the middle left of the net, but Mannino made a crucial save to keep the game level.

Junior midfielder Gineth Arias Martinez (Soacha Cundinamarca, Colombia/Institución Educativa Leon XII), freshman midfielder Sarah Reyes (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield), fifth-year forward Kim Brites (Carteret, N.J./Carteret), and junior forward Beatriz Oliveira (Newark, N.J./Newark East Side) each recorded one shot on goal for the Gothic Knights.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights continue NJAC play when they travel to Glassboro, N.J., to take on #RV Rowan on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6:00 p.m.