NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona University men's soccer team played to a scoreless draw against Sacred Heart University on Saturday afternoon at Mazzella Field. The Gaels (2-4-5, 1-1-3 Metro) outshot the Pioneers 12-6 but were unable to find the back of the net.
THE RUNDOWN
Iona created an early opportunity in the fifth minute before freshman
Rudy Figueroa forced a save from Sacred Heart goalkeeper Anthony Suarez in the 27th minute.
The Pioneers were reduced to 10 men following Ivan Marques' second yellow card in the 43rd minute, sending the teams into halftime scoreless.
Sophomore
Ricardo Vivo Calderon nearly broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, striking the crossbar.
The Gaels continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, recording six shots and five corner kicks.
With just 17 seconds remaining, Figueroa nearly delivered the game-winner, but his shot was cleared off the line by the Sacred Heart defense to preserve the draw.
IONA PERFORMERS
- Freshman goalkeeper Adriano Sofio recorded two saves to secure his second shutout of the season.
- Figueroa and freshman Matthew Benavides led the Gaels with three shots apiece. Figueroa registered both of Iona's shots on goal.
- Vivo Calderon added one shot, hitting the crossbar early in the second half.
THE OPPONENT
- Anthony Suarez recorded one goalkeeper save, while the Sacred Heart defense added a team save.
- Ivan Morcillo and Alex Almuzara Romero led the Pioneers with two shots each.
TEAM STATS
- Iona held a 12-6 advantage in shots, with both teams recording two shots on goal.
- The Gaels earned seven corner kicks compared to Sacred Heart's three.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Neither Iona nor Sacred Heart has scored in their two meetings since the Pioneers joined the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 2024, with both contests ending in scoreless draws.
- Iona recorded its third consecutive draw.
- The Gaels earned their third shutout of the season.
UP NEXT
Iona returns to action on Wednesday, October 14, traveling to North Andover, Massachusetts, for a 7 p.m. Metro Conference matchup against Merrimack at Martone-Mejail Field.
