Sussex Edged by #6 Monroe CC on Opening Day

The Sussex women's soccer program were defeated by Monroe Community College, ranked #6 in the nation, 3-2 after a game winning goal by Travina Meeks in the second period of extra time.  In what was an exciting 2nd half, Sussex took the lead in the 47th minute after Carina Gasparini scored off of a through ball from Naomi Delbury.  12 minutes later, Kerene Johnson equalized for the Tribunes from an assist by Abie LaRocca.  It only took Sussex 7 minutes to reclaim the lead with headed goal by Jessenia Velez off of a one time cross by Amber Whenham.  Sussex were unable to hold onto their lead, however, with Monroe scored a late game tieing goal in the 86th minute to send the game into overtime.  Both sides had chances to win during the first period of extra time, but Monroe took their chance in the 106th minute to seal the victory.

After the game, head coach Frank Vernacchio was proud of his program's display.  "This one was tough to take.  We played really well and we should have come out on top, but Monroe took their chance in overtime to win it.  I'm really happy with how we played and thought that we created more chances to put the game to bed.  Overall, our press was great and I thought that we were the better team, but when you give a nationally ranked team a chance to win, they can always hurt you.  We saw a lot of positives in this game and I love the grit that our team showed and am really excited to see where this season takes us."

Sussex will host Rowan College South Jersey - Gloucester next on Saturday, September 7 at 2:00pm.