NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University men's soccer team scored on a penalty kick in the 29th minute and held on to defeat Rider University 1-0 at Mazzella Field in the two team's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener in a rematch of the 2023 MAAC Championship.
 
With just under 17 minutes left in the first half, Iona sophomore Jad Benjelloun chipped the ball away from a Rider player by midfield in the Broncs' defensive half. Freshman Bautista Rossi ran down the ball just outside the penalty area, dribbled in and was checked from behind by Momo Diop just as he crossed into the area and the Gaels were awarded a penalty try. Junior Sergio Gonzalez Fernandez slotted his team-leading fifth goal of the season upper 90 into the top left corner of the net to give the Gaels the advantage.
 
The attempt would be the Gaels' final one on goal for the day. Shots were even at 5-5 following the goal with Iona earning three on net. Rider had two shots on goal entering the 29th minute. After the Gael tally, the Broncs outshot the Gaels 12-2 overall and 4-0 on net. The Maroon & Gold hung on with Rider's final scoring attempt coming with just over 10 seconds to play.
 
Rookie netminder Fernando Schmelz faced 17 shots and made six saves for his first collegiate shut out. His counterpart Adam Salama faced seven shots and made two saves.
 
Rossi and classmate Alvaro Maneiro led the Gaels with two shots a piece. Rider's Bryan Akongo led all players with six shot attempts and three on goal.
 
The Gaels survived 14 corner kick attempts by the Broncs and recorded three of their own.
 
Iona continues MAAC action next Saturday when they travel to Niagara to take on the Purple Eagles in a 2 p.m. kickoff on the road.