Aug. 24 2025, CICERO, Ill. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's soccer team opened its 2025 campaign with an impressive 2-1 win on the road against Morton College on Sunday afternoon, handing the Panthers their first loss of the season.

Morton entered the match riding momentum after upsetting No. 7 Kansas City Community College on Saturday night, but the Raiders, led by first-year head coach Mario Zuniga-Gil, controlled possession from the opening whistle and set the tone with a disciplined defensive effort.

The teams went into halftime scoreless, thanks in part to a strong first half from GRCC freshman goalkeeper Mallory Amaya Allen, who kept the Panthers off the board while the Raiders allowed just three total shots.

GRCC finally broke through in the 54th minute when freshman Quincy Brown scored the first goal of the season off a combination from fellow freshmen Nadia Perez and Lanee Lewkowski, giving the Raiders a 1-0 lead. The margin doubled in the 72nd minute, when Perez delivered her second assist of the day, setting up Valerie Rosas to make it 2-0.

Morton answered quickly, as Ruby Hogan found the back of the net less than four minutes later, but GRCC's defense, backed by freshman goalkeeper Nyleese Hernandez in the second half, held strong to secure the victory.

The Raiders finished with a 16-8 edge in shots, led by Hadley Fox with four attempts. GRCC also held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.

"This was a great way to start our season," Zuniga-Gil said. "The team showed composure, created chances, and defended well against a tough Morton squad. I'm proud of how our players executed."

The Raiders (1-0) will make their home debut on Wednesday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m., hosting Kellogg Community College at Midwest United Field.

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