NEW ROCHELLE, NY - After taking a 2-1 lead early in the second half, the Iona College men's soccer team (8-4-1, 2-2-0 MAAC) gave up two quick goals and a third late in the contest as the squad recorded a 4-2 defeat against Loyola (13-0-1, 5-0 MAAC) at Mazzella Field.  The loss ended Iona's nine-game unbeaten streak but the Gaels remain the only team in NCAA Division I that has not been shut out this season.

In a 1-0 hole after the Greyhounds' Phil Bannister's first of two goals in the match, junior Rodrigo Faria netted his second tally of the year in the 37th minute to even the score at 1-1.  A corner kick by Fernando Liserra went in and out of Loyola goalie Milos Kocic's hands and was taken by Faria, who set off a shot that soared high into the back of the net.

The Gaels gained a 2-1 edge on a header by Giovanni Destasio, his team-leading ninth goal, that came off a cross from the left side by freshman Adam Rohan.  Iona's lead was erased five minutes later as Loyola caught and then surpassed the Maroon & Gold with back-to-back scores by Bannister and Tennant McVea.  Jamie Darvill added an insurance goal in the 87th minute when his free kick from 48 yards out shuffled through the Gael defenders.

Despite trailing on the scoreboard, Iona often created chances to score and held a 22-11 advantage in shot attempts.  The Gaels also led 8-1 in corner kicks.  Netminder Nils Binstock made two saves on the day while Kocic had four.

Iona returns to action on Sunday (Oct. 26), hosting Rider at 1:00 pm.