LYNCHBURG, VA. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2025 season, falling 2-0 to Lynchburg University on Friday, Sept. 5.

The Gothic Knights (3-1) were outshot 15-2 overall and 11-2 in shots on goal by the Hornets (2-0-1). Lynchburg also held a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks and committed 17 fouls to NJCU's 16. One NJCU player received a yellow card. Goalkeeper Sophia Mannino (Burlington, N.J./Burlington Township) recorded eight saves in the contest.
Mannino, along with defenders Jess Digristina (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) and Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)), were the only Gothic Knights to play all 90 minutes, anchoring the back line throughout the match.

The Hornets applied early pressure, registering their first shot in the ninth minute and putting one on target just a minute later, but Mannino stood tall in net to keep the match scoreless through halftime.

Lynchburg broke through in the 55th minute on a goal by Ava Olson. NJCU responded with its first shot of the match in the 59th minute, a low attempt by senior Nyrohah Alvarenga (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech), but Hornets goalkeeper Kate Shepherd made the save.

Lynchburg added an insurance goal in the 73rd minute from Lauren Orner to seal the victory. NJCU had one final chance in the 89th minute when sophomore Gabriella Cardona (Elizabeth, N.J./Alexander Hamilton) took the team's second shot, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

UP NEXT:
NJCU continues its weekend in Virginia with a matchup against Roanoke College tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 6, at 4:00 p.m. on Lynchburg University's campus.

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