(Valhalla, NY) - A year ago, the Monroe-Express Men's Soccer team was the talk of Region XV, completing an 8-2 record against region competition, including a 4-0 win over Westchester Community College on Sept. 21, and a 2-0 win over eventual Region XV champion, Suffolk CC on Oct. 14. With their first season of eligibility for the post-season coming in 2018, the Express entered play this season expecting a prominent place in the championship hunt.

And if Tuesday's match with Westchester CC proved anything, it is that the Express are very much in the hunt for post-season success ... but it is a crowded field. Viking freshman Luis Galeano (Mamaroneck, NY/Rye Neck HS) continued his torrid start to the season, scoring on a penalty kick in the 39th minute, and freshman goalkeeper Guilherme Griza (Novo Hamburgo-RS (Brazil)/Colegio Marista Pio XII) stopped 10 out of 11 shots as WCC pulled off the early-season upset, 2-1 at Barrett Field in Valhalla, NY. With the win, the Vikings improve to 3-0 to start the season, and are 1-0 in Region XV play.
 

During a fast, physical game back-and-forth game, it appeared right away as if big breaks would determine the winner, and Westchester would benefit from the first one early. In the sixth minute, Monroe goalkeeper Mustapha Ceesay misplayed a crossing pass, leaving the ball unattended in front of the Express goal. WCC Sophomore Chris Vallejo (Pleasantville, NY/Pleasantville HS) was there to cash in, firing a shot into the open net for a 1-0 lead.

However, 12 minutes later, Monroe would capitalize on a break of their own. A long, outside shot on a set play led to a Griza save, but also a long rebound. Monroe striker Mamadou Diombera gobbled up the rebound, and fired a shot into an open net of his own to tie the score at 1-1.

After the teams traded opportunities for long stretches, it was Galeano who provided the game-winner shortly before halftime. A strong Westchester rush to the Express net led to a hard foul inside the box. A penalty kick was immediately awarded, and Galeano calmly found the back of the net for his third goal of the season, and second penalty kick tally.

The 2-1 edge not only lasted through halftime, but also throughout the entire second half as neither team scored a goal during the final 51:13. But, Monroe College sure tried to tie the game as the Express out-shot the Vikings 9-2 during the final 45 minutes. No opportunity for the visitors was more glorious than a corner kick with the final seconds winding down that was deflected towards the near-pipe as Griza shuffled across the goal. The Viking keeper dove back to the near pipe to make a sprawling save, and end the game in Westchester's favor.

Overall, Monroe out-shot Westchester 16-11, and held a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. There were 35 fouls committed, with 23 coming from the visitors.

Westchester CC returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 11 when the Vikings continue Region XV play with a 4:00 match-up with Queensborough Community College at Barrett Field.