Francisco Cordova de Alba scored both goals Wednesday as Monroe-Woodbury beat Newburgh Free Academy 2-0 in a physical varsity boys soccer match, handing the Goldbacks their first loss of the season.

Cordova de Alba, a senior forward, put the Crusaders ahead with 25 minutes left in the first half, lofting a shot over the head of Newburgh senior goaltender Giovani Sanchez. He added a penalty kick between Sanchez’s legs with 22 minutes remaining in the second half.

Newburgh seniors Giovanny Ochoa and Kevin Meza and sophomore Iker Enamorado each put shots on goal. Enamorado’s came off a corner kick. Cordova de Alba had a third shot on goal for Monroe-Woodbury, and senior midfielder/forward Patrick Smith also sent one toward the net.

Sanchez made two saves. Monroe-Woodbury junior goalkeeper Justin Landusky made six.

All three yellow cards came in the second half. Smith was cautioned with 22 minutes left for arguing with a referee who had awarded Newburgh possession.

Late in the match, Newburgh senior Justin Saravia appeared to take down Monroe-Woodbury senior defenseman Michael Qu. The two began shouting at each other, and teammates quickly surrounded them. Both received yellow cards. Afterward, Monroe-Woodbury senior midfielder Lael Reyes ran to the stands and waved his arms to rally the Crusaders’ fans, who had been loud and at times feisty all night.

The loss was Newburgh’s first of the season and the first time the Goldbacks failed to score multiple goals in a match. They were 9-1 entering Wednesday’s scheduled match atValley Central.