MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team fell just short in the semifinals of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament, dropping a 2–1 decision to top-seeded Montclair State University (MSU) on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at MSU Soccer Park.

The Gothic Knights (10-7-2, 3-4-2 NJAC) were narrowly outshot by the Red Hawks (12-0-5, 7-0-2 NJAC), 14-8 overall and 6-5 on goal. Senior goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) anchored NJCU's defense with four saves, while Salange Bell matched her total in net for MSU. The Red Hawks held advantages in corner kicks (9-1) and fouls (13-11), while NJCU received two yellow cards on the night.

Six Gothic Knights went the distance, playing all 90 minutes: Mannino, Gineth Arias Martinez (Soacha Cundinamarca, Colombia/Institución Educativa Leon XII), Isabella Ramirez (Elmwood Park, N.J./Elmwood Park Memorial), Aubrey Gulbin (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Gabriella Sharpe (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne), and Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)). Jean-Louis made her lone shot on target count, scoring NJCU's only goal—her third of the season.

NJCU set the early tone with the first on-target attempt in the seventh minute, while MSU answered three minutes later. The Red Hawks found their rhythm in the 17th minute, firing off five shots and earning three corner kicks over the next 10 minutes. Their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Kylie Prendergast broke through with the opening goal. The Gothic Knights tightened up defensively afterward, holding MSU without another shot for the rest of the half, while senior Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) notched two late attempts before the break.

NJCU came out aggressive in the second half, earning an early corner kick in the 49th minute. Freshman Somaia Roman (Union, N.J./Union) fired a shot that went wide, but senior Arias Martinez soon forced Bell to make a save on the follow-up attempt. MSU countered quickly, earning a corner that led to another goal by Prendergast in the 53rd minute, doubling the Red Hawks' lead.

The Gothic Knights refused to back down. In the 74th minute, Arias Martinez connected with Jean-Louis, who found the back of the net to make it a 2–1 match. The assist marked Arias Martinez's fifth of the season. Despite shifting the momentum late, NJCU couldn't find the equalizer, and MSU held on for the narrow victory.

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