NEW ROCHELLE, NY - A defensive mistake in the second half proved costly for the Iona College women's soccer team, as the Gaels dropped their 2011 season opener to Temple at home.  The Owls banked on an own goal to pick up a win in the 1-0 decision.

"This one definitely stings a bit given how well we played throughout the match, but at the end of the day it comes down to taking care of the little details," said head coach Mike Barroqueiro.  "We gave a very good team an opportunity and they capitalized on it."

The break occurred in the 47th minute when a ball crossed by Temple's Karly O'Toole hit off a Gael defender in front of the net and scooted past goalkeeper Trista Rivera.  Iona's intensity never wavered, however, as the squad threatened to even the score several times in the closing minutes.

The Gaels recorded four shots over the final eight minutes of the contest.  Owl netminder Tara Murphy made a great save to deflect a shot by Chelsea Cabarcas out of bounds in the 83rd minute.  In the 87th minute, Melissa Frederick and Nicole Paulucci set up a beautiful play to give rookie Samantha Fiorenzo a scoring opportunity, but Fiorenzo's shot sailed high.  Paulucci and Cabarcas made the final two attempts of the afternoon, both ending up wide.

Iona led 11-7 in shots and 4-2 in corner kicks.  Rivera and Murphy both had five saves in goal.

"All in all it was still a very good performance by our girls and definitely something we can build on," Barroqueiro added.  "We are looking forward to getting back out on the field on Monday."  The Gaels resume action at Stony Brook on Aug. 22.