After finishing the regular season on a five game winning streak, and earning the No. 3 seed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Soccer Championship, the Gaels’ dream of capturing their first ever title was halted after being defeated by the No. 2 seeded Quinnipiac Bobcats 7-6 in a penalty kick shootout.

In the 24th minute, Bobcats senior defender Brandon Strain-Goode gave Quinnipiac a 1-0 lead, after the Gael defense was unable to clear the ball out of the box that was driven in from a set piece. The Gaels knotted the game up 1-1 when freshman defender Jonathan Proctor launched a throw-in that was headed into the back of the net by freshman Jordan Scarlett.

Both teams were unable to capitalize on any more opportunities for the remainder of the second half, or in overtime. In the penalty kick shoot-out, Iona and Quinnipiac each netted their first six penalties. Iona redshirt freshman goalkeeper Julian Petrello preserved the Gaels’ lead by blocking the Bobcats’ seventh penalty shot. Iona had the opportunity to win the game on the ensuing kick, but Scarlett blasted the shot over the net.

After converting the next penalty kick, Quinnipiac’s junior goalkeeper Borja Angoitia made a save to propel the Bobcats into the championship game. Quinnipiac was eventually crowned the 2013 MAAC Soccer Champions after defeating Monmouth University in penalty kicks, 4-3; the Bobcats claimed the MAAC title in their first year in the conference.

Senior Franklin Castellanos was devastated with how the season and his career ended.

“I thought we deserved better,” Castellanos said. “We had a couple of chances to finish the game.”

Finishing with a 10-6-3 record overall and a 7-2-1 record in the MAAC, Iona had many players who led the way to achievement. Castellanos was named 2013 MAAC Offensive Player of the Year, and was one of five Iona players to earn All-MAAC recognition.

Castellanos had a MAAC regular season high 31 points, which included nine goals and 13 assists. He led the conference with 13 assists, which put him in the top three among players in the nation. In addition his 31 points was among the top ten in the nation. Castellanos also earned his third straight All-MAAC First Team honor. The senior star was proud of his accolades.

“It means a lot because I wanted to represent Iona the best way possible and it shows that my hard work payed off,” Castellanos said.

Junior Ignacio Maganto also had a successful season as he was named to the All-MAAC First Team. Maganto finished second in the MAAC during the regular season with 21 points on nine goals and three assists. The nine goals he had are tied with Castellanos for second in the conference. Maganto had six multi-point and two multi-goal games. He provided Iona fans with a thrill on Oct. 12, when he had a hat-trick against Rider. Maganto has achieved All-MAAC honors in all three seasons with Iona.

Senior forward Samuel Adjei was named to the All-MAAC Second Team, along with senior center back Tommy Martin and junior midfielder Michael Holzer. Adjei had 12 points with 4 goals. Martin was a big part of Iona’s six shutouts, leading the defense. He proved his clutch abilities as three of the shutouts came late in the regular season, where his team was fighting for a way into the playoffs.

Twelve Gaels made the MAAC All-Academic Team. They each have completed two semesters and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.

The Gaels will come back next season ready to try for another double digit win season and most importantly, their first MAAC Championship.