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Iona University Athletics

MSOC at Monmouth
Will Prata
4
Winner Iona ION (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
1
Monmouth MON (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Iona ION
(1-0-0, 0-0-0)
4
Final
1
Monmouth MON
(0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Iona ION 2 2 4
Monmouth MON 0 1 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Brian Beyrer / Sr. Associate AD / Athletic Communications

Iona MSOC Opens 2026 Campaign With 4-1 Victory at Monmouth

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Iona University men's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion Thursday, earning a 4-1 victory over Monmouth in non-conference action at Hesse Field. The Gaels scored twice in each half, led by newcomer Ignacio Manzanares, who found the back of the net twice in his Iona debut, while senior Francesco Borla returned to the lineup and recorded two assists.
 

THE RUNDOWN

Iona struck first in the 21st minute when senior Calle Sjoberg put the Gaels ahead 1-0 at 20:06. The lead doubled just over 11 minutes later as Manzanares scored his first goal in Maroon & Gold, with sophomore Enbiya Bolur providing the assist at 31:06.
 
The visitors carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime and added to it just 3:13 into the second half. Sophomore Ricardo Vivo Calderon scored in his Iona debut at 48:13, converting a feed from Borla to push the advantage to three goals.
 
Monmouth answered in the 54th minute when Javier Losa Moya converted a penalty kick, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
 
The Gaels quickly restored their three-goal cushion when Manzanares struck again at 77:19. Borla once again supplied the assist, giving the senior two helpers in his return to the lineup and Manzanares a pair of goals in his first collegiate appearance for Iona.
 

IONA PERFORMERS

  • Manzanares made an immediate impact in his Iona debut, scoring twice, including the eventual game-winning goal in the 32nd minute.
  • Vivo Calderon also made his debut in the Maroon & Gold and found the back of the net in the opening minutes of the second half.
  • Borla returned to the lineup after missing the entire 2025 season due to injury and contributed two assists in his first appearance back.
  • Sophomore Josh Bells turned in a strong sophomore season debut in goal, making five saves while allowing only Monmouth's penalty kick to find the net.
 

THE OPPONENT

  • Monmouth produced 18 shots and nine corner kicks, but managed just six shots on goal.
  • Losa Moya converted the Hawks' lone goal on a penalty kick in the 54th minute.
  • Herman Seierstad Johnsen recorded 10 saves
 

TEAM STATS

  • Iona generated a 22-18 advantage in shots and put 14 attempts on frame compared to six for Monmouth.
  • The Gaels forced 10 saves from the Monmouth goalkeeper while Bells made five stops at the other end.
  • Monmouth held a 9-4 edge in corner kicks, while Iona was whistled for 14 fouls to the Hawks' 12.
 

NOTABLE NUGGETS

  • Series history: Iona earned its first victory over Monmouth since 2020 and its first road win in the series since 2007.
  • Largest margin: The three-goal victory marked the largest margin of victory in the 18-game series dating to 2001. Seven of the previous eight meetings were decided by one goal or fewer.
  • Most goals: Iona's four goals marked the most scored by either team in the series since 2001. Three goals was the previous high, reached three times.
  • Hamilton vs. Monmouth: Head coach James Hamilton improved to 4-4-1 against the Hawks.
  • All-time series: Monmouth now leads the series 10-7-1 since the teams first met in 2001.
 

UP NEXT

Iona continues its three-game road trip to open the season next Thursday, Aug. 27, when the Gaels visit local rival Seton Hall. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Owen T. Carroll Field in South Orange, N.J.
 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Be sure to follow Iona University athletics on all social media platforms:
Iona Gaels: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates).
Iona Men's Soccer: X, Facebook and Instagram.

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