NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona University men's soccer team battled Holy Cross to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon at Mazzella Field. Senior
Francesco Borla provided the equalizer late in the opening half as the Gaels moved to 1-1-2 on the season.
THE RUNDOWN
Holy Cross struck first in the 15th minute, taking a 1-0 advantage after converting an early attacking opportunity. The Crusaders continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, but freshman goalkeeper
Adriano Sofio kept Iona within striking distance with three first-half saves.
The Maroon & Gold found the response just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, sophomore
Enbiya Bolur played the ball down the right side in the attacking third. He dished a centering pass to senior
Calle Sjoberg 25-yards out to deliver a lead pass towards the goal to a charging Borla who fired a right footed shot to the upper 90 to tie up the game.
The two sides entered the break even at 1-1 and remained deadlocked throughout the second half. Sofio made another stop in the 56th minute to keep the contest level.
Freshman
Ignacio Manzanares created Iona's best late chances, putting an attempt on target in the 82nd minute before sending another shot wide moments later. Neither side found the go-ahead goal over the closing minutes as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
IONA PERFORMERS
- Borla scored the Gaels' lone goal and finished with two shots, including one on target.
- Sjoberg and Bolur each registered an assist on the equalizer.
- Sofio finished the afternoon with four saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
- Manzanares recorded two shots, including one on target.
- Bolur added two shots in 29 minutes off the bench.
THE OPPONENT
- Holy Cross opened the scoring in the 15th minute and carried a 1-0 lead until Iona's equalizer late in the first half.
- The Crusaders recorded 16 total shots with five attempts on goal.
- Holy Cross goalkeeper Caleb Klepacz made one save.
TEAM STATS
- Holy Cross held a 16-7 advantage in total shots.
- The Crusaders placed five shots on goal compared to two for the Gaels.
- Holy Cross finished with a 7-4 edge in corner kicks.
- Iona was whistled for 10 fouls, while Holy Cross committed 13.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Borla's goal was his first of the 2026 campaign and the fifth in his Iona career
- Sjoberg recorded his first assist of the season.
- Bolur picked up his second assist of the year.
UP NEXT
Iona remains at Mazzella Field next Saturday, September 12 as they welcome UMass Lowell to New Rochelle for a 1 p.m. contest.
