NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona College men's soccer program got back on the winning track with a 3-0 win over visiting Niagara University on Saturday afternoon. The Gaels got scores from three different players in route to its largest margin of victory this season.
Freshman Lenworth Lopez gave the Maroon & Gold the only goal they'd need in the fourth minute. Rookie Josh Plimpton lofted a soft cross into the box from the right side; Lopez was waiting on the other end of it and lofted a soft chip shot past the outstretched arms of Naigara's 6'6" keeper, Steve Casey. The goal is Lopez's second of the season and the assist is Plimpton's first point since his goal against the No. 20 Old Dominion in late August.
Seniors Luis Mendoza and Joshua Calderon combined to give Iona a two-goal lead in the 21st minute. The captain midfielder recorded his third assist of the year by belting a left side corner kick cross into the box where the veteran defender was able to net his third score of the year.
Despite controlled the possession for the majority of the first half, Niagara had an 8-7 shot advantage. Casey made one save in the first half for Niagara. Maroon & Gold keeper junior Juan Alcantara made two saves in the same timeframe.
The second half featured a more structured defensive effort for Iona. Niagara mustered just three shots of the final 45 minutes. Iona increased its shot total and its final shot of the contest resulted in an icing-on-the-cake goal from junior Killian Colombie. Senior Matias Correa fed it to the Paris, France native on a fast break chance to earn the helper. Both of Colombie's goals this season have come off the bench during MAAC play.
Alcantara finished the game with four saves. The reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week has four shutouts on the season.
Iona's next game is against the defending MAAC Champions Rider University on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Head coach James Hamilton and the Gaels will honor the programs three seniors as part of senior day festivities prior to the game.
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