UNION, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team fell in a hard-fought New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) matchup to Kean University, 3-2, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Alumni Stadium.

Despite the loss, the Gothic Knights (7-5-1, 0-3-1 NJAC) controlled much of the match, outshooting the Cougars (7-4-1, 2-2 NJAC) by a margin of 21-11, including a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) played the full 90 minutes between the posts, registering three saves. Both teams earned three corner kicks apiece, while NJCU committed 13 fouls to Kean's five.

Senior standouts Gineth Arias Martinez (Soacha Cundinamarca, Colombia/Institución Educativa Leon XII) and Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) combined for 10 shots, each finishing with three shots on target and a goal. Sophomore Arianna Chavez (Roselle Park, N.J./Academy for Allied Health Sciences) played a key role in the attack, dishing out two assists, while classmate Sarah Reyes (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) added one assist of her own.

NJCU started strong, breaking through early when Chavez set up Arias Martinez for the opening goal in the ninth minute. The Knights doubled their lead in the 23rd minute with a smooth sequence, as Reyes connected with Chavez, who then found Alvarenga for the finish, putting NJCU ahead 2-0.

Kean was limited to just two shots in the first half, forcing Mannino into her first save in the 38th minute. NJCU carried the momentum into the second half, with Chavez testing Kean goalkeeper Madison Gesualdo within the first 30 seconds. The Knights continued to press, recording five more shots before the Cougars registered their first attempt of the second half in the 67th minute.

However, the final 10 minutes proved costly for NJCU. In the 81st minute, Kean's Carly Gleason converted a penalty kick to bring the Cougars within one. Just under five minutes later, Gleason struck again to level the score at 2-2. In a stunning turn of events, Ella Petrosh netted the game-winner for Kean just 40 seconds after the equalizer.

The Gothic Knights had one final opportunity in the 89th minute but missed high, sealing the comeback win for the Cougars.

Up Next:
NJCU returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 15, traveling to Mahwah, N.J. to face Ramapo College in another NJAC clash. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on NJCU Athletics, visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow the Gothic Knights on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.