NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University women's soccer team fought through a highly physical contest, falling 1-0 to Canisius in a tight Metro Conference matchup on Monday afternoon. Battling the elements at Mazzella Field, the visiting Golden Griffins edged out the Gaels on a free kick goal in the 78th minute.
THE RUNDOWN
Both defenses controlled the early tempo to head into halftime deadlocked 0-0 before the visitors managed to break through late in the second half. Despite creating critical moments in transition and pushing forward until the final whistle, the Maroon & Gold were unable to construct the equalizer in a hard-fought battle.
Gaels generated their best opportunity in the first half came in the 30th minute on a set piece just outside the penalty area by senior
Marissa Graziano. The pressure mounted in the second half as both squads searched for the opening marker. Iona carved out a prime opportunity in the 57th minute when Graduate Student Zaheria Hegazi broke behind the defense on a breakaway, though her strike sailed wide of the left post.
The Golden Griffins eventually captured the decisive breakthrough in the 78th minute when they scored from a set piece outside the box. The Gaels had a chance in the final moments of the game when Hegazi sent in a cross down the right side to junior
Dolene Smith, but was ruled offside after video review.
Junior
Kayla Kalbaugh made six saves in goal for the Gaels registering three stops in each half.
TEAM STATS
- Both teams committed 12 fouls each
- Canisius held a 13-4 advantage in total shots, putting seven efforts on target compared to zero for the home attack.
UP NEXT
The Gaels shifts focus toward the next MAAC fixture at Rider, looking to rebound from the narrow defeat.
