NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University men's soccer team saw its unbeaten start to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play come to a halt on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 1-0 decision to Niagara. The Gaels looked for another late rally at Mazzella Field but were stymied by the Purple Eagles defense.

GAME SUMMARY

It was the Iona setting the tone early at home as dark clouds swept through the sky. The Gaels fired two shots in on goal in the first 18 minute of action with attempts from rookie Andres Becerra and sophomore Alvaro Maneiro getting denied by Grant Wyles.
 
Niagara finally got going in the attacking third in the 23^rd minute with its first corner kick of the game. Juan Cardona took the corner kick from the right side and lifted a sweeping cross towards the far post. Reon Tezuka was there for the well-placed header to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
 
From there both sides each attempted to shots in the closing minutes of the first half with neither side making one on target.
 
As the rain began to come down at the start of the second half, Iona looked to put together one more second half rally. The Gaels dominated possession for majority of the second stanza, holding a 7-2 advantage for shots but were unable to crack the Purple Eagles defense.
 
There were just two attempts from the Gaels on goal, a 65^th minute shot from 20-yards out by graduate student Chris Morandi and a 76^th minute shot from Maneiro through traffic from eight-yards out that were both denied by Wyles in the middle of the cage to hold the 1-0 result for the visitors.

TEAM STATS

• Iona held a 13-5 advantage for shots over Niagara including a 4-1 margin for shots on goal.
• The Gaels attempted seven corners while the Purple Eagles had four corner kicks.
• 25 fouls were called between both teams in the rainy conditions with Niagara receiving three yellow cards.

UP NEXT

The Gaels close out the two-game homestand at Mazzella Field on Wednesday, October 15 with a 1 p.m. contest against Siena.