DOVER, DE — The Iona University women's soccer team capped its non-conference slate with a 3-1 victory over Delaware State on Wednesday night. Sophomore
Sofia Bigeni tallied her first two collegiate goals in the first half before senior
Zaheira Hegazi capped the scoring in the second half to give the Gaels the win over the Hornets at Drass Field.
Bigeni tallied her first career brace with long range goals in the 37
th and 42
nd minute. Hegazi registered her first collegiate goal in the 65
th minute off an assist from Bigeni. Junior
Savannah Rogers recorded two saves in goal for the Maroon & Gold.
GAME SUMMARY
It was a slow start offensively on the slick turf under the lights at Drass Field as both teams looked to jump out to an early lead. The Hornets held a slight 4-3 advantage over the Gaels through the first 33 minutes of action.
Iona broke through in the 37
th minute as Bigeni fired a shot from 35 yards out on goal and went to the upper 90 on the right side to give Iona the 1-0 advantage. With momentum on the Maroon & Gold's side, Bigeni followed up with another long-range strike that went just over the leaping Delaware State goalkeeper for the 2-0 lead.
Both teams were even distributing the ball out of the restart with several chances in the attacking third. A yellow card inside the box by Iona in the 63
rd minute set up a penalty kick chance for the home team. The Hornets chipped in the penalty kick past the diving reach of Rogers to make it a one-goal game.
Iona quickly worked the ball into the Delaware State end on a breakaway chance. Bigeni got the ball in the center of the 18-yard box and sent a pass out in front to Hegazi on the left side to bury the chip in goal for the 3-1 Iona lead.
The Hornets looked to cut into the deficit late with two charges in the 80
th and 83
rd minute but Rogers was there to make the saves to seal the road win.
TEAM STATS
- Iona's offense had a 15-10 margin on shots and a 7-3 advantage for shots on goal.
- The Gaels attempted six corners while the Hornets had three corner attempts.
- 21 fouls were committed on the night with Iona picking up two yellow cards.
UP NEXT
The Gaels resume Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play on Saturday, September 13 with a 1 p.m. matchup against defending league champions, Fairfield at Mazzella Field.
