New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College men's soccer team kicked off the 2007 season with a 2-1 home win over NJIT. Paul Racines and Bryan Oelkers each scored their first goal of the year for the Gaels.

At 7:47 in the first period, senior co-captain Pasquale Abiuso launched a cross in front of the net, aimed perfectly at Racines who headed the ball past Highlanders goalkeeper Josh Osit.

NJIT answered back with a goal in the 26th minute when Gael keeper Nils Binstock was drawn out of the net. Gustav Warfving set the ball high over the head of Binstock, then knocked it in to even the score.

Midway through the second half Iona had two near misses, both off the foot of co-captain Bryan Oelkers and both folowing NJIT fouls. The first shot was saved by Osit and the second banged off the crossbar despite deceiving the netminder.

With the score tied at 1-1 and less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Oelkers would finally seal the deal as he scored off a pass from Racines. The Highlanders could not rally back before the clock ran down.

The Gaels held a 9-4 shot advantage and a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Abiuso recorded his first assist of the season and Binstock played the full 90 minutes in goal, making three saves.

The squad is back in action for a Sep. 3 Labor Day road matchup against Sacred Heart.