Iona Men's Soccer Draws No. 20 Old Dominion

Iona Men’s Soccer Draws No. 20 Old Dominion

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — For the second straight game, the Iona college men’s soccer program went into overtime against a nationally ranked opponent.  After 110′, the Maroon & Gold and No. 20 Old Dominion knotted at 1-1 with freshman Josh Plimpton netting his second score of the season for the Gaels in the 77th minute.

The Gaels defense was stout throughout, holding on in the big moments.  Junior goalkeeper Kellar Sirstins made his second save of the game in the 93′.  The reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week turned down a game-winning heading attempt from redshirt freshman Tom Wüstenberg, and then saw the threat end with redshirt sophomore Jimmy Filerman firing one wide.

Junior Ryan McLaughlin came within inches of giving Old Dominion the overtime win in the 98th minute, but a team save by the Maroon & Gold ensured a second overtime period. 

Old Dominion put two shots towards net in the opening moments of the second overtime period.  Sirstins turned away freshman Brandon Perdue with his third save and rookie Hans Kroschwitz fired a shot over the crossbar.

Sirstins made three saves in overtime while seeing six shots.  After Iona eked out a six to four shot advantage in the first half, the Gaels bombarded the Monarchs defense in the second half with an 11-0 edge in shots.  In overtime the tables flipped; Iona failed to record a single shot in extra time.

In the first half, the Monarchs took the lead in the 27′ when Perdue netted his third goal of the season.

The Gaels had a dangerous set piece in the 38′.  Junior Sebastian Gordillo found junior Humbert Ferrer at the far post, but the Barcelona, Spain native couldn’t tuck it in net.

Seniors Joshua Calderon and Matias Correa were both given yellow cards in the first half.  Old Dominion sophomore keeper Mertcan Akar to make a pair of saves to keep the Gaels initially off the board.

Senior Luis Mendoza tried his luck in the 57′, firing an on target shot from the left side.  Iona’s captain was dangerous throughout the second half, and his constant pressure created Iona’s successful scoring chance in the second half.

In the 78′, Gordillo pushed a long ball over the top from left midfield toward the far post.  Plimpton was waiting on at the far right post for his second score of his rookie season.

Junior Chris Nash had a chance to put the Maroon & Gold in the lead in the 84′, but his attempt was thwarted by Akar. 

Calderon, Correa, Plimpton, and sophomore Malcolm Moreno were all showed a yellow card during the match.

Tonight’s game came off the heels of Friday night’s contest against Virginia Commonwealth being cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Gaels return to action on Saturday, Sept. 9 with a trip to face Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, NJ.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.