NIAGARA UNIV., NY - The Iona College men's soccer team suffered its fourth straight loss in a 2-1 decision in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener at Niagara.  The Gaels will look to rebound against Canisius in a noon match on Sunday.

Levi Tesch opened the scoring for the Purple Eagles (3-6-1, 1-0) in the 25th minute, picking up an unassisted goal on a shot that was deflected off an Iona defender in the box.  The Gaels (2-6-1, 0-1) responded to tie the game at one-all as rookie Marcellin Bilali picked up his first career goal in the 37th minute.  Adam Rohan crossed the ball to Bilali, who was set up in scoring position inside the box to send it into the back of the net.

The score remained knotted until midway through the second half.  Niagara's Liam Gilbert registered the deciding goal on a header off a feed from Michael Pass.

Bilali led Iona with four shots in the contest including the Gaels' only two shots on goal.  Both teams had 11 shots in the match.  Goalkeeper Jesse Fullerton made three saves in the loss, while Michael Moran saved one for the Purple Eagles.