NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Senior Laura Jackson scored the lone goal as the Iona College women's soccer team move closer to clinching a spot in the MAAC Tournament with a 1-0 victory over local rival Manhattan on Friday afternoon at Mazzella Field. 

With the victory, the Gaels improve to 6-3-2 overall and 4-3-1 in MAAC play. The Maroon & Gold sit just three points behind fourth place Rider with one game remaining in the regular season.

"What an exciting day for our program and our seniors," said head coach Mike Barroqueiro. "I'm proud of the girls and their approach to the weekend. All we can do now is prepare for Sunday and hope for the best!"

An Iona win on Sunday over Saint Peter's and a loss by Rider over MAAC qualifier Marist, the Gaels will clinch the final spot after owning the head-to-head tie breaker with the Broncs. Earlier this season on September 30, Iona defeated Rider 1-0. 

Neither side scored in the opening frame, but the Gaels outshot the Jaspers 6-3.  Nearly 10 minutes into the second half, junior Christina Tesoriero found Jackson from 30 yards away as the defender blasted a shot to the left side of a diving Kara Davis. 

Junior GK Trista Rivera was rarely needed as the tough Iona defense kept the Jaspers away from the net, allowing just two shots to grace the netminder.  

The hosts finished the game with an 11-4 advantage in shots and 7-1 in corner kicks.

The Gaels will welcome the Peacocks on Sunday at 1 p.m. Prior to the start of the game, Iona College will honor the three members of the Class of 2012: Laura Jackson, Leah Taylor and Shannon Meara.