NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University men's soccer team defeated No. 3 Manhattan, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at Mazzella Field in the MAAC Semifinal.
Matias Morales' first goal of the season was the decisive one, propelling the Gaels to the MAAC Championship.
MATCH SUMMARY
In front of a raucous crowd at Mazzella Field on the campus of Iona University, All-MAAC Third Team selection Matias Morales gave the fans what they were looking for just three minutes into the afternoon. Elird Mero played a ball forward that a Manhattan defender intentionally let roll between his legs towards the end-line, but Camil Azzam Ruiz beat the ball to the line and played a cross that Morales blasted into the back of the net. The goal was his first of the season and gave Iona the early advantage on its home turf.
Manhattan nearly found an equalizer in the moments following, but Gunnar Studenhofft's try bounded off the crossbar and the danger was cleared. Iona's Juan Alfaro Monge made two saves in the first half, holding the Jaspers at bay outside of the scare from the foot of Studenhofft.
Only one save was made between the two keepers in the second half, a stop by Monge in the 56th minute. It did not tell the story however of Monge's play in goal. The Heredia, Costa Rica native held strong on his line and made plenty of plays on Manhattan crosses, corners and free kicks. Monge and the defense, coupled with Morales' goal would prove to be the difference in the match.
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND
Iona advances to the MAAC Championship game for the fourth time (1995, 2010, 2019, 2022) in program history. Top-seeded Quinnipiac stands between the Gaels and the program's second MAAC title.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Morales' goal was the first of his career at Iona. He now boasts a career-best three points this season.
- Monge registered his seventh shutout of the season and second victory over Manhattan. He made three saves en route to his seventh win of the season.
- Azzam Ruiz and Mero had the assists on the Morales goal. Azzam Ruiz increased his team-leading point total to 15. For Mero, it was his fourth helper of his junior campaign.
- The victory over Manhattan is Iona's second straight and third straight at Mazzella Field.
- The Maroon & Gold remain unbeaten at home, improving to 6-0-2 this season in New Rochelle.
UP NEXT
Iona travels to face No. 1 Quinnipiac at noon on Sunday, November 13. Stay tuned to IonaGaels.com and Iona men's soccer social media pages for more information.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow Iona Athletics and men's soccer on all social media platforms:
IonaGaels: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
Iona Men's Soccer: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
