NEW ROCHELLE, NY – With the postseason looming, the Iona College men’s soccer program picked up a crucial 1-0 victory over Monmouth on Wednesday afternoon.  A late goal from sophomore Daniel Huertas and four big saves by senior Julian Petrello carried the Maroon & Gold past the Hawks, whom had entered the game ahead of Iona in the standings.

Huertas scored the game-winner in the 78^th minute via assists from sophomore Daniel Ocana and junior Marcos Nunez.  Nunez took the ball in the midfield and forwarded it along to Ocana who was cutting down the left sideline.  He then slid a through ball into the box to Huertas who tapped it in for his second game-winning strike of the season.

Iona outshot Monmouth 15-8 in the game, and it had the edge in shots on goal at 5-4.  Petrello was monstrous in goal for the Maroon & Gold, making four saves in route to his 21^st career shutout.  His most crucial save came in the 85^th minute when he pushed aside a rising shot through traffic taken by Hawks Brandon McCarthy.

Sophomores Killian Colombie and Huertas led Iona with three shots each.  Senior Teddy Forson, juniors Luis Mendoza and Nunez, and Ocana each had two shots.

Iona had the edge in corner kick chances, 6-1. 

With the win, the Gaels improve to 5-11-0 overall, and 4-4-0 in the MAAC.  With their eyes on the MAAC postseason, the Maroon & Gold have their home-finale on Saturday, Oct. 29 against the Siena Saints.  Nine players will be honored as part of the day’s senior day ceremony.

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