LEWISTON, NY - The Iona University men's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory over Niagara in its 2023 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener at Niagara Field. Senior Camil Azzam Ruiz scored in the 12th minute and junior Nacho Alfaro Monge stopped both attempts on net in the Gaels' first game in nearly two weeks.

THE GOAL

On a transition break down the left side of the field sophomore Frederik Johnson Oee took a feed at the penalty area and found Azzam Ruiz who one-timed a pass past the Niagara keeper to put Iona on the board.  The play started on the Gaels' defensive end and touched five different players in a 10-second span before the goal was put in the net by the Maroon & Gold's top goal scorer. It was Azzam Ruiz' fourth goal of the season and second game-winner. He has recorded all of Iona's goals through four contests.

STATS

Iona dominated possession in the contest, controlling the ball nearly 60% of the time.  It led 11-9 in shot attempts as both teams were equal (2-2) on target. Alfaro Monge's two saves came in the 32nd and 69th minute.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Five games on opening day produced five winners as Manhattan, Marist, Mount St. Mary's, and Rider all picked up wins Saturday. The Gaels and Red Foxes won on the road. Quinnipiac was idle.

UP NEXT

Iona has a midweek tune up at NJIT Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Eighth-year head coach James Hamilton squares off against his old boss, former Iona head coach Fernando Barboto for the third straight year.