LEWISTON, NY — The Iona University women's soccer team traveled to Western New York for a Metro Conference matchup against Niagara, falling 3-1 at Niagara Field. The Gaels scored the game's opening goal before the Purple Eagles rallied with three unanswered goals to take the league matchup.
Junior
Dolene Smith recorded her fourth goal of the season in the 10th minute for the Maroon & Gold. Junior
Sofia Bigeni registered her first assist of the season on the goal.
GAME SUMMARY
Niagara looked to strike first with a shot attempt in the opening minute. The Gaels responded with two quick shots in the ensuing minutes. Bigeni collected the ball near midfield in the 10th minute and sent a lead pass ahead for Smith. The Enfield, Connecticut, native beat the goalkeeper to the ball and chipped it into the back of the net for an early 1-0 advantage.
Iona looked to build on the momentum with three more shots on goal over the next 13 minutes, but Niagara goalkeeper Julia Poissant denied all three attempts. The Purple Eagles leveled the game at 1-1 in the 32nd minute on a goal off a corner kick.
Out of the halftime break, the Purple Eagles applied pressure early, scoring twice in the opening two minutes of the second half to take a 3-1 advantage. The Niagara defense held the Gaels to just two shots over the final 45 minutes.
TEAM STATS
- Both teams finished with nine shot attempts, while Iona held a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal.
- Niagara held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks.
- Both teams committed 10 fouls.
UP NEXT
The Gaels return home on Saturday, September 19 for an 11 a.m. matchup against Merrimack. Iona will recognize its senior class prior to the game at Mazzella Field.
