NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College men's soccer team suffered its first loss in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action with a 2-0 setback to Canisius Saturday afternoon at Mazzella Field. The game also marks the Gaels' first loss in their last seven games.

The loss was Iona's first regular season setback to Canisius since 2004. The result dropped Iona's record to 6-4-2 on the year, and 3-1-0 in league play.

The offense picked up early in the contest, as the two teams combined for 12 shots in the first 21-plus minutes of play, with Iona leading 8-4 on attempts. On their fifth shot of the game, the Griffs cracked the scoreboard. Taking a feed from Pat Conlon, Canisius striker Asani Samuels snuck a shot into the left corner of the net for his sixth tally of the season. The goal snapped a 419:33 shutout streak for the Gaels.

Iona had a golden chance to even the score in the 61st minute when senior midfielder Michael Holzer's long distance strike hit the cross bar. Canisius then added its second goal in the 65th minute. After a Griffs attacker was pulled down in the box, Chris Berardi converted the ensuing penalty kick.

Overall, the Gaels held a 14-11 advantage in shots, and 7-2 margin in corner kicks. Iona goalkeeper Julian Petrello made five saves, while his Canisius counterpart, Andrew Coughlin, made three stops.

The Gaels are back in action Wednesday (Oct. 15) when they host Saint Peter's at 3:00 pm.