Iona Men's Soccer Loses MAAC Opener

November 28, 2018

MATCH SUMMARY

Rider's Pable DeCastro scored first in the 38' via an assist from Mathis Catanzaro. Catanzaro charged down the left side and put a grounded shot that sophomore Giuliano Santucci punched away. However the deflection rebounded directly to DeCastro who buried it for his second goal of the season.

The Broncs outshot the Gaels 6-2 in the first half and had a 2-1 shot on goal advantage. Sophomore Tomas Jamett had Iona's first shot in the 13' which was saved. Rookie Esad Mackic took one that was blocked in the 34'.

Sophomore Najim Romero knotted the score at 1-1 in the 60'. He took in a pass from senior Samuel Saenz that switched fields well. Romero used his speed to cross the middle while the defense was shifting and create space. He rocketed a right-footed shot that resulted in his third goal in two games.

Rider retook the lead when its team leaders Elliot Otmani and DeCastro assisted on Arthur Herpreck's game-winning score in the 72'. Senior Killian Colombie had Iona's lone shot over the final 22 minutes but sent it wide in the 74'.

Otmani scored Rider's final goal on a penalty kick in the 83'.

Iona outshot Rider in the second half 9-4 and had four shots on goal compared to two for the Broncs. Pablo Gatinois made three of his four saves in the second half.

STATISTICAL NOTES

Tonight is the fourth straight time Rider has defeated Iona.
Romero is now tied with Colombie for team lead in goals with three and points with seven.
11 shots is Iona's second lowest total this season. Its lowest is 8, which was against current nationally ranked No. 23 New Hampshire.
Saenz attempted a team-high and career-best two shots on goal.
Wednesday's game is the first time Colombie has not taken a shot on goal this season.

UP NEXT

The Maroon & Gold return to action at home against the Canisius College Golden Griffins on Saturday, Sept. 29. The game begins at 3 pm is being broadcasted on IonaInsider.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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