MAHWAH, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team secured their first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) victory of the season, shutting out Ramapo College 1-0 on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Athletic Turf Field.
Despite being outshot 13-5 by the Roadrunners (5-6-2, 1-4 NJAC), the Gothic Knights (8-5-1, 1-3-1 NJAC) made their limited chances count. Both teams managed just two shots on target, and Ramapo held the edge in several statistical categories, including corner kicks (3-2), fouls (13-6), offsides (4-2), and yellow cards (3-0). Senior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) played the full 90 minutes between the posts, making two key saves to preserve the clean sheet. Defenders Gabriella Sharpe (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) and Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)) also played the entire match, anchoring the backline.
Five different Gothic Knights recorded shots in the match, but it was sophomore Gabriella Cardona (Elizabeth, N.J./Alexander Hamilton) who made the difference. She scored the game's only goal—her fourth of the season and the ninth of her career. Fellow sophomore Ariana Chavez also forced a save on one of NJCU's two shots on frame.
NJCU came out aggressively, with Gineth Arias Martinez (Soacha Cundinamarca, Colombia/Institución Educativa Leon XII) registering the team's first shot in just the second minute, though it was blocked. Ramapo responded in the seventh minute but fired high. The Roadrunners put the first shot on target in the 25th minute, which Mannino handled with confidence. Less than a minute later, another Ramapo effort missed wide.
Ramapo continued to press, creating a dangerous sequence in the 29th minute with two shots in the box, both blocked by NJCU defenders. Sensing the shift in momentum, head coach Anthony Tuesta made several substitutions—including bringing in Cardona. That move paid off quickly. In the 35th minute, Cardona capitalized on an opportunity and buried a low shot into the center of the net to give NJCU the lead.
The Gothic Knights did not record another shot for the remainder of the first half, while the Roadrunners pushed forward but were repeatedly denied by a resilient NJCU defense.
In the second half, Ramapo resumed their attack, narrowly missing high just five minutes in. NJCU didn't register another shot until the 71st minute, when Chavez forced Roadrunners keeper Gabby Matias to make her lone save of the evening. Ramapo continued to search for the equalizer with two more off-target efforts but ultimately came up short.
UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return home on Saturday, Oct. 18, to host Rutgers-Camden for a 12:00 p.m. NJAC matchup at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex.
For the latest news, updates, and information on NJCU Athletics, visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow the Gothic Knights on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
