NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College men’s soccer program’s potent offensive was stifled Wednesday evening in a 2-0 loss to nationally ranked Delaware. The 22nd ranked Blue Hens maintained their undefeated record by putting immense pressure on the Gaels defense, outshooting the Maroon & Gold, 21-3.
Delaware’s offense began immediately with a rising shot that sailed over the crossbar in the second minute. Come the 11th minute, the Iona backline was treading in dangerous waters with the Blue Hens firing six shots in a 10-minute stretch. The defense came up with multiple blocks, and sophomore Kellar Sirstins made his first save to keep the contest scoreless.
Iona’s lone offensive threat in the opening period came in the 31st minute with a shot by sophomore Killian Colombie that went wide.
Delaware outshot the Maroon & Gold 12-1, and had a 3-0 corner kick opportunities advantage in the first half.
Freshman Fede Prieto headed in the game-winning goal in the 58th minute via an assist from senior Dani Laguna. The strike found the back of the net just moments after senior Thomas de Villardi scrambled the Gaels defense with a shot that rang off the post.
Iona’s best chance to strike in the second half came in the 73rd minute. Sophomore Daniel Ocana took aim at back-to-back corner opportunities, but his feeds into the box couldn’t find any solid offensive footing.
The Blue Hens added on an insurance goal late in the game to keep the Gaels at bay. Senior midfielder Jaime Martinez took a pass from senior Guillermo Delgado and tapped in his first of the season.
Seniors Jon-Luke Ferrandino, Jordan Scarlett and Colombie attempted the three shots for Iona.
With this loss, Delaware now takes the all-time series lead over the Maroon & Gold, 3-2-1.
Iona returns to action this Saturday, Sept. 10 against Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, NJ. Kickoff between the Gaels and Knights set for 7 PM.
