New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College men's soccer team allowed two goals late in the second half which caused the squad to take a loss in its 2008 season opener against Quinnipiac.  The Gaels will look to rebound from their 0-1 start when they take part in the Lafayette Classic in one week.

Iona showed steady ball control from the very beginning of the afternoon and was able to build up significant time in possession.  The Gaels set off a number of good shots in the first half, including one by Fernando Liserra that went just wide into the outer left part of the net, but were denied until they finally broke through in a corner kick situation.  In the 43rd minute, Tonna Egbuchunam deflected the corner kick taken by Liserra.  Ben Williams was the third to make contact with the ball and headed it into the back of the net for Iona's only goal of the game.

Quinnipiac, trailing by one ten minutes into the second period, evened the score on Graciano Brito's first goal of the day.  The Maroon & Gold threatened to score soon after as the Gaels regained possession following a shot by Williams that was blocked by a Bobcat defender.  Giovanni Destasio got the ball ten seconds later and made an attempt on goal that was saved by the visitor's Freddy Hall.  Hall then made a second straight save on a shot by Egbuchunam.

With the game tied at one-all for 24 minutes, Quinnipiac ultimately pulled ahead in the 80th minute when Shane Recklet netted a corner kick taken by Pierre Soubrier.  Just under five minutes later, Brito recorded his second goal of the contest, assisted by Rodrigo Uchoa, to give his team a final two goal advantage.

Despite the defeat, Iona led 12-9 in shots taken while both sides registered seven shots on goal.  Goalkeeper Nils Binstock played all 90 minutes in front of the net, making four saves.

Iona will face two opponents at the Lafayette Classic beginning Sep. 5.  Northwestern is first to take on the Gaels at 4:30 pm on Friday.