The men’s and women’s Iona soccer teams have begun conference play. Both the men’s and women’s divisions of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will be very strong this year, and both Iona soccer teams anticipate being very competitive.  

The men’s roster includes two members who were selected by topdrawersoccer.com, a respected ranking, as among the top 20 players in the division.   

Sophomore Doug Stephens and senior Roberto Hernandez-Raaen were the two Gaels honoured. Both players are looking to continue strong non-conference play in the Gael’s conference schedule. 

Iona’s women’s team also had two players recognized by topdrawersocccer.com. Sophomore Leah Taylor and senior Diane Hare were counted among the conference’s top 20 players.   

Iona women’s soccer began conference play strongly, tying highly ranked opponent Fairfield in their conference opener. Following their result against Fairfield, the Gaels took on St. Peters College at Mazzella Field.

 Despite conceding two goals in the first half, the Gaels powered to a 4-2 win, scoring four unanswered goals in the second half. Senior Abby Dixon and freshman Leanne Benson both scored for the Gaels, while Taylor added two goals. 

Taylor also had an assist, teammates senior Ali Werner and junior Lisa Murer also recorded assists, while sophomore Gabriella D’Aprile and freshman Christina Tesoriero both assisted on two goals. Freshman goal keeper Trista Rivera made two saves in registering her third win of the season.

Iona women’s soccer team has a record of 1-0-1 against MAAC competition and an overall record of 3-9-1.

Iona Men’s soccer also began Conference play this week, opening with a tough weekend road trip, featuring games against Niagara and Canisius.  

The Gaels dropped their opener to Niagara narrowly, losing 2-1 in a hostile atmosphere. Freshman Marcellin Bilali scored the Gaels goal, assisted by junior Adam Rohan. Bilali’s goal was the first of his collegiate career.

 The men’s soccer team ended its four-game losing streak this past Saturday after their 1-0 victory at Canisius. Freshman Samuel Adjei scored the loan goal of the game for the Gaels with just one second remaining in the first half at 44:59.

This was Adjei’s third goal of the season. Adjei received a pass from senior Mario Rios; he would then slip past the defense. Adjei beat the goalie on a shot to his right just as the half came to a close. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Jesse Fullerton got the win in net improving his record to 3-5 on the season, he also recorded his first shutout of the season in the victory.With this win the Gaels now improve to 3-6-1 on the season and 1-1 against in the MAAC.

The men’s soccer team plays this weekend at home against Marist and Siena. The women will hit the road this weekend to take on Loyola and Rider.