JERSEY CITY, NJ – The scoring tandem of juniorCharlotte Stuart and senior Emily Hansen each scored for the second straight game, carrying the Iona Women’s soccer program to its first win of the 2016 season. With their 2-0 victory over Saint Peter’s, the Gaels improve to 1-1 in MAAC play.
The Gaels and Peacocks both started the contest on the offensive. Junior Alexandria Couto put a shot on goal for Saint Peter’s in the second minute, and that was followed quickly by a pair of on-net strikes from juniorChristine Rebus and sophomore Corinne Burns.
Stuart netted her second goal of the season in the 31stminute of the first half. She took advantage of a deflection by Saint Peter’s junior goalkeeper Taylor McClean.
A red card was shown to Saint Peter’s in the closing moments of the first half, meaning the Maroon & Gold played up a player for the remaining 47 minutes of the game.
Iona dominated the offensive zone in the first half, recording 17 total shots, 10 of which were on goal. The Gaels had a +12 shot differential in the opening period, and placed additional pressure on the Peacock defense with five corner kick opportunities. Iona goalie juniorTiffany Martinez stopped all four shots on goal she faced in the first half.
The offensive barrage didn’t let up come the start of the second half. In the 47th minute sophomore Sara Mangialardi had a shot off the crossbar, followed in quick succession by a pair of corner kicks taken by freshman Amber Cripsin.
The pressure led an insurance goal in the 63rd minute by Hansen. The captain defensemen scored her second goal in as many games from 20 yards out off an assist from junior Julia Campagna.
Martinez made eight saves for her career shutout as a member of the Maroon & Gold. It was Iona’s first shutout since Aug. 28, 2015 when the Gaels took down Wagner at Mazzella Field, 3-0.
Saint Peter’s switched goaltenders in the second half. Junior Kelly Jamison made four saves in the second half.
The Gaels outshot the Peacocks 32-13, and had a 14-1 edge in corner kick opportunities.
Iona’s first win of the season is also the first ever collegiate D1 win for first year head coach Sarah Brady.
The Gaels return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 28 when the Manhattan Jaspers make the short trip to New Rochelle and Mazzella Field.
