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Iona University Athletics

Ricardo Pinillos
Stockton Photo Inc.
2
Winner Iona Iona (1-0-1, 0-0-0)
0
Loyola Maryland Loyola (0-1-1, 0-0-0)
Winner
Iona Iona
(1-0-1, 0-0-0)
2
Final
0
Loyola Maryland Loyola
(0-1-1, 0-0-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Iona Iona 2 0 2
Loyola Maryland Loyola 0 0 0

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Brian Duane / Assistant AD / Athletic Communications

Iona MSOC Tops Loyola Maryland, 2-0 For First Win

BALTIMORE, MD— The Iona University Men's soccer team had a strong start Thursday night, scoring two first half goals on the way to a 2-0 win at Loyola Maryland for the first victory of the 2024 season. The Gaels netted both goals in the first 16 minutes of play courtesy of senior Ricardo Senen Pinillos and sophomore Francesco Borla.
 
Senen Pinillos recorded his second multi-point game assisting on Borla's goal with and senior Thiago Cagna. Freshman Fernando Schmelz and senior Michael Hesse combined for the shutout in goal against the Patriot League preseason favorite Greyhounds at Ridley Athletic Complex.

GAME SUMMARY

The Gaels carried momentum quickly after the opening whistle as Borla had a turnaround shot the doorstep bank off the right post in the fourth minute of play. Freshman Alvaro Maneiro was there for the rebound but the shot but missed just high off target. The Greyhounds had a chance two minutes later get denied by Schmelz.
 
In the 12th minute Iona was quick to restart play off the free kick opportunity, setting up Senen Pinillos to drive to the net from the right side. He fired the shot from 16 yards out on target and used a deflection in front to find the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
 
The Gaels defense continued to thwart any momentum for Loyola on the offensive end as the half wore on. Cagna picked the loose ball in the Iona end in the 16th minute and dribbled just past midfield to find Senen Pinillos charging along the right side. Senen Pinillos took two dribbles and delivered a well timed cross into the box to Borla for the sliding chip-in goal and 2-0 advantage.
 
Schmelz made his second and final save of the opening half in the 22nd minute. The home team was forced to pick up the tempo but was called offside twice to end the first half.
 
Iona looked to tack on another goal with a few more chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half as shots from freshman Gino Lavista, Borla and Senen Pinillos just missed off target. The Gaels defense did a standout pressuring the Loyola offense as the home team didn't fire a second half shot till the 82nd minute. Hesse was there to knock down the point-blank shot in front of the net. The Greyhounds fired just one more attempt in the 86th minute that missed high as Iona walked away with the clean sheet.

TEAM STATS

  • Iona outshot Loyola 13-8 for the game, with a 5-3 margin on shots on goal.
  • The Gaels defense held the Greyhounds to just one shot on goal in the second half.
  • Both teams recorded three saves each.
  • Loyola held a slight 4-3 advantage on corner kicks.

UP NEXT

The Gaels continue the opening road swing on Sunday, September 1 with a matchup against Monmouth under the lights at Hesse Field on the Great Lawn. The contest will air at 7:00 p.m. on FloSports.
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