Late goal lifts Monroe women over top team

Freshman Zigic blasts away nation's #6-ranked team

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 27- A goal with time running down lifted the Monroe Mustangs women's soccer team 3-2 over the nation's #6-ranked team in their first game of the season and their first as a Division I team.  

The win over Monroe Community College on their home field in Rochester, NY was made possible by an 86th-minute goal by freshman midfielder Sandra Zigic just a minute after the Tribunes had fought back to tie the game. Zigic's goal set off a celebration by the Mustangs and, more importantly, signaled high hopes for Monroe's new season. 

"This was a sweet win," said first-year head Coach Jonathan Garbar, "but make no mistake, we have a lot of work to do to prove ourselves in this higher Division. I am proud of us for getting this one, especially after they came back to tie, but we are going to pull up our socks and shin guards ready to do battle once again tomorrow."

Monroe took a first-half lead on a goal by All-American British sophomore Mikaela Howell, who was assisted by freshman Kaitlin Merino in the 25th minute. Howell returned the favor by assisting Merino in the 49th minute, as the 5'1" midfielder from Queens got her first-ever goal for Monroe.

The Mustangs' 2-0 lead was cut in half by Monroe CC in the 64th minute and then completely negated in the 85th minute.

That set the stage for Zigic's heroics. Also assisted by Howell, the Croatian blasted a goal from the left side in the 86th minute to give the Mustangs the win.