Iona’s new women’s soccer team consisting of 11 new players, nine freshmen and two transfer students, has had a very difficult start to the season so far.

After their first successful game beating NJIT 3-1, the Gaels had to experience three disappointing games in a row; losing to Vermont 1-0, tying Maine 1-1 and losing to Albany 1-0.

In the 18th minute of the Vermont contest, Vermont scored the only goal of the game.

Iona tried to be consistent and was fighting for results, but the game ended in a victory for Vermont.

“This was a frustrating one for us but definitely something we can learn from. We came out flat early in the game and a good Vermont team made us pay for it by scoring an early goal,” Head Coach Mike Barroqueiro said.

“With that said we had a renewed energy in the second half of the match and continued to show the fighting spirit that we’ve had all season.  As our effort becomes a bit more consistent, that ability to fight for results is going to put us on the other end of games like this in the Gael.”