NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University men's soccer team topped Fairfield, 2-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Mazzella Field. Goals from
Federico Russo and
Camil Azzam Ruiz helped the Gaels finish the regular season unbeaten at home and kept Iona unbeaten in league play with two games remaining.
MATCH SUMMARY
Iona was in control of the match from the get-go, dominating control of the ball and playing at its own pace. The two biggest moments of the match featured two very important pieces in the Gaels system, senior captain Federico Russo and one of the team's most prolific goal scorers, Camil Azzam Ruiz.
In the 18th minute, a foul just outside of the box led to a free kick opportunity for the Gaels. Russo stepped to the ball and delivered a beautiful ball that bent up and around the wall of Stag defenders and past the diving James Anderson in net to open the scoring in New Rochelle. The goal was his second of the season and gave the Maroon & Gold an early advantage.
After a clean half defensively, holding Fairfield without a shot attempt, Iona looked to Azzam Ruiz for some added insurance in the second half. After Matias Morales was taken down inside the box and a penalty kick was awarded to the Gaels, it was Azzam Ruiz who sealed the deal with his 74th-minute goal. He blasted a shot just inside the left post that left Anderson with virtually no chance and ensured Iona would be victorious.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- The Gaels remain unbeaten in conference play with two matches remaining on the ledger. Iona also wraps up the regular season undefeated at Mazzella Field, finishing with a 5-0-2 mark in New Rochelle.
- With today's result, Iona moved into sole possession of second place in the conference, one point behind Manhattan. Quinnipiac, who plays later today, could surpass the Maroon & Gold in the standings with a victory over Mount St. Mary's.
- The Gaels have not lost since September 10, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
- Russo opened the scoring with a free-kick goal, his second of the season. His first goal of the year was the game-winning tally in Iona's home victory on senior day over Manhattan.
- Azzam Ruiz netted Iona's second goal, scoring on a penalty kick late in the second half. It was his third goal of the campaign and the 15th of his Maroon & Gold career.
- Monge needed to make just one save, notching his fifth win and fifth shutout of the season. The sophomore keeper has now posted back-to-back clean sheets.
- Iona improves to 8-13-3 all-time against Fairfield, earning its first victory over the Stags since 2015, a 1-0 win in the MAAC postseason. The Gaels are 5-1-2 against the Stags at Mazzella Field since 2008.
AROUND THE MAAC
- Niagara 1 - Marist 1
- Siena 2 - Rider 2
- Saint Peter's 1 - Manhattan 1
- Mount St. Mary's hosts Quinnipiac at 5:00 p.m. in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
UP NEXT
Iona heads on the road for its final two regular season contests, beginning with Mount St. Mary's on Saturday, October 29. The Gaels then wrap up the regular season at Saint Peter's on Wednesday, November 2.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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