WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Iona College men's soccer program dropped its second Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference game of the season at Monmouth on Wednesday night by a final score of 3-2.
The Hawks got a pair of goals in the first half and withstood the Gaels comeback attempt in the second half to earn their first MAAC victory.
Monmouth got in the board with redshirt Freshman John Antunes burying a pass from rookie Dan Frisch-Harmon. Iona found itself in a 2-0 hole late in the first half with junior Zachary Pereira scoring his second of the season in the 43rd minute.
Gael junior Humbert Ferrer scored his second goal of the season in the early portions of the second half. Senior captain midfielder Luis Mendoza put a free kick from the left side and pushed it towards the right post. Ferrer elevated over the Hawks' backline and was able to head it in off the post to get the Maroon & Gold on the scoreboard.
Monmouth's eventual game-winner was netted in the 56th minute by sophomore Geoffrey Schaefer. It was a near-side header that beat Iona keeper, junior Kellar Sirstins. Schaefer's goal, his second of the season, was assisted by sophomore Andy Martinez.
Ferrer scored his second of the game in the 81st minute again off of a set piece. Mendoza set it forward and junior Ali Dawha got a touch on it before the Barcelona, Spain native netted his fourth career net-rattler.
The Maroon & Gold had chances to tie it late with a pair of corner kick chances taken by Mendoza. Dawha pushed one final attempt just one-foot-wide of the ride post with just 33 seconds remaining.
Iona outshot Monmouth 22 to 9. Both teams had six shots on goal. The Gaels had seven corner chances and were called for offside twice.
Mendoza had a team-high seven shots and two shots on goal. Ferrer had three total shots and fellow senior Joshua Calderon chipped in with two shots.
The Gaels return to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 PM against the Marist Red Foxes at Mazzella Field.
Fans can keep up with the latest news and excitement surrounding Iona men's soccer by following the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
