BUFFALO, NY – The sixth-seeded Iona College men's soccer team's season came to a close on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 loss in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship opening round against third-seeded Canisius.
The game-winning goal was scored by Golden Griffs' junior defenseman Alex Grattarola in the 26th minute. Canisius was granted a free kick from just outside its own box. Redshirt junior Bjarki Benediktsson took the free kick and delivered a low-riding pass that his teammate headed home for his seventh of the season.
Iona's offense was shut down by the Canisius backline. Senior Luis Mendoza, junior Sebastian Gordillo and freshman Lenworth Lopez combined for the Gaels' five total shots. Mendoza and Gordillo had the Maroon & Gold's lone two shots on goal.
The most dangerous opportunity for Iona came in the middle portions of the first half. Lopez and Gordillo each had a shot blocked, and then a Luis delivered corner kick chance was nearly batted home by Gordillo. It was saved by Trivellato diving to his right.
Sophomore Juan Alcantara made three saves in net for the Maroon & Gold. Redshirt senior Marco Trivellato was in net to make two saves for Canisius.
It was a physical game with 24 combined fouls and five total yellow cards.
The Gaels finish the 2017 season with a 5-7-4, 4-4-2 MAAC mark.
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