The Iona men’s soccer team has strengthened their position in the MAAC standings with two straight wins against strong opposition. The Gaels have played against Siena and Fairfield in recent matches and posted positive results in both matches.

In winning the two games, the Gaels relied on leadership from a strong senior class who have demonstrated their ability to force positive results for the Gaels.

Against Siena, the Gaels won a closely fought encounter 2-0 thanks to goals from seniors Roberto Hernandez-Raaen and Julian Grajales. Hernandez-Raaen’s goal was assisted by fellow senior Mario Rios.

Grajales’ scored from a corner kick; the kick was taken by freshman Victor Munoz, and touched on by Sophomore Douglas Stephens before Grajales forced it into the net. The Gaels dominated Siena, outshooting them 17-7 over the course of the game. Sophomore Goalkeeper Jesse Fullerton earned the shutout.

Against Fairfield rivals on homecoming weekend, the Gaels continued strongly showing with a 2-0 win. Goals from Rios and freshman Orlando Castaneda secured the win.  Rios’ goal was assisted by Munoz and Castaneda’s tally was assisted by freshman Samuel Adjei. 

Fullerton once again earned the shutout making five saves over the course of the game. Fullerton has posted two-straight shutouts giving him three on the season. 

The two wins improve the Gaels to a 3-2 record in the MAAC and 5-7-1 overall. The men’s team has played well lately winning three out of their last five games. They hope to build on their two-game win streak as they go on the road to face Saint Peter’s.

Iona Women’s soccer opened homecoming weekend with a loss to Niagara. The Gaels were prevented from scoring in the third straight game despite outshooting their opponents 17-10. Kerrie Deignan and Carly Haden led the Gales in shots, Posting five each.

The Gaels have been shutout four straight games, in what has been a season long offensive struggle. The team’s last goal came on Oct. 10 in a 2-1 loss to Manhattan College. The women’s soccer team is also on a five-game losing streak which they hope to snap in their next game on the road against Marist.

On the men’s side, Stephens has led the way on offense with a team lead four goals and nine points. Adjei cooled off from his hot start to the season but still stands second on team in goals with three and points with eight.

The overall offense for the men has been productive, getting goals from 10 different players. The team is also outscoring their opponents by a margin of one with 17 goals scored and 16 goals against.

 The women are led offensivly by Sophomore Taylor Leah and senior Abby Dixon who are both tied for the team lead in goals with two. Dixon is also tied for the lead in points with  sophomore Gabriella D’Aprile with five.