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Iona University Athletics

Kendell Thomas
Geraldo Rodriguez
2
NJIT NJIT (1-2-1, 0-0-0)
3
Winner Iona ION (1-2-0, 0-0-0)
NJIT NJIT
(1-2-1, 0-0-0)
2
Final
3
Iona ION
(1-2-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
NJIT NJIT 2 0 2
Iona ION 3 0 3

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Jack Clark

Iona MSOC Tops NJIT in Thrilling Home Opener

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University men's soccer team was victorious in its 2022 home-opening match, defeating NJIT 3-2 at Mazzella Field on Tuesday afternoon. Kendell Thomas headed home the decisive goal in the closing moments of the first half. The match saw its first four goals scored in a four-minute span before Thomas' game winner in the 44th minute.

MATCH SUMMARY

After a relatively quiet first 20 minutes of action at Mazzella Field in Iona's home opener, fans were treated with a flurry of goals from both sides. The Highlanders started the party with a goal by Jose Adames in the 21st minute that opened the scoring. Iona wasted next to no time finding an equalizer when Camil Azzam Ruiz squeaked a shot past the keeper for his first goal of the season.

The Maroon & Gold needed just under three minutes before finding the back of the net again. Sergio Gonzalez Fernandez netted his second of the season on a long-range shot that was perfectly placed over the head of the keeper who came too far off his line. Iona's lead lasted just 23 seconds however, when Goncalo Franco scored a bicycle-kick goal to even the score at 2-2.

Late in the first half, it was Kendell Thomas serving as the hero, heading home a crisp pass from Joe Wright on a corner with less than two minutes to play in the opening 45 minutes. Thomas was positioned perfectly to score the first goal of his collegiate career and give his squad a 3-2 lead to cap an action-packed first half of play in New Rochelle.

Defensively, following two first-half scores, Iona locked it down in the second half. Juan Alfaro Monge made two of his four saves in the second half, holding off the Highlanders' charge and securing the first win of the season for himself and the Gaels.

NOTABLE NUGGETS

  • The goal for Thomas was not only the first of his collegiate career, but also the first points of the junior's collegiate career as well.
  • Gonzalez Fernandez netted his second goal in as many matches, giving Iona a 2-1 lead just minutes after the tying score.
  • Azzam Ruiz had the game-tying goal, a little over 30 seconds after the Highlanders took an early 1-0 lead. The goal was the first of the season for Azzam Ruiz, a 2021 All-MAAC honoree and 2022 Preseason All-MAAC selection.
  • Alfaro Monge earned his first victory of his sophomore season, making four saves en route to the one-goal victory in the home opener at Mazzella Field.
  • NJIT held a 10-7 edge in shots and a narrow 6-5 advantage in shots on goal.
  • The Highlanders entered play on Tuesday ranked No. 4 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Northeast Region poll.
  • Iona improves to 7-1-1 all-time against NJIT and notched its third consecutive victory in the series history.
  • Former head coach Fernando Barboto made his return to New Rochelle for the first time since serving at the helm for 13 seasons with the Maroon & Gold.

AROUND THE MAAC

  • Iona was the lone early match to be played on Tuesday.
  • Siena visits Boston College at 5:30 p.m.
  • Quinnipiac travels to play at Northeastern for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.
  • Manhattan and Fordham play in a battle of the Bronx at 7:00 p.m.

UP NEXT

Iona returns to action this Saturday, September 10 when the Gaels visit Holy Cross. The Gaels and Crusaders are set to kick-off at 1:00 p.m. in Worcester, Massachusetts and the match will stream live on ESPN+.

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)



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