Last minute goal lifts Monroe, 3-2
Rodrigues/Craine combo nets the winner
by Gary Axelbank
The Monroe Mustangs women’s soccer team won a seminal game on Saturday afternoon, defeating Monroe CC (Rochester, NY) 3-2 on an 89th-minute goal by freshman Gemma Craine. The Brit midfielder combined on the game-winner with the brilliant Brazilian freshman Ana Rodrigues to give the #14-ranked Mustangs a most satisfying come-from-behind win over the #6 ranked Tribunes, who ended Monroe’s season in the playoffs last year.
Down 2-1 in the 68th minute, Rodrigues took a feed from sophomore midfielder Ebelyse Guaranda (Queens, NY) and with tremendous effort snaked it past the MCC keeper to tie the score and set up Craine’s late-game dramatics.
“We reached a different level today,” Coach Jonathan Garbar said to his team after the game. ‘It took a good team to push us. Every player on the field was inspiring today. I am very proud of our program and what accomplished this afternoon.”
Monroe got on the scoreboard on an unassisted goal by sophomore Charlotte Branch (Norwich, England) who blasted one high into the net past the Tribunes goalie, who was forced into 12 saves on the day.
Monroe’s defense was stellar as freshman keeper Devan Pryor had four saves, including a clutch grab off a penalty kick in the game’s final seconds.
Branch’s goal was her first, Rodrogues had her team high sixth, and Craine’s was her fourth. Monroe is now 3-0 on the season.
“This was a full team win,” Coach Garbar said. “Along with it comes the burden of a bigger target on our backs. But that’s ok. We will be ready for what’s next.”
Up next, Monroe will play Raritan Valley on Thursday at 7:00pm at City Park.
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