Rider Sets Down Iona At Mazzella, 2-1

November 12, 2017

NEW ROCHELLE, NY – A late goal from the visiting Rider Broncs ruffled Iona College's final home game as the Maroon & Gold dropped their senior day matchup by a final score of 2-1. Senior Jose Aguinaga scored the game-winning goal for Rider in the 77th minute to clinch Rider's berth into the 2017 MAAC Championship.

Prior to the game, Iona head coach James Hamilton and his staff honored the program's three seniors: Matias Correa, Joshua Calderon, and Luis Mendoza.

Once the game kicked off, the Broncs and Gaels traded chances. Freshman Najim Romero put an attempt on net that Rider keeper senior David Pastuna had to sprawl and safe in the sixth minute. Rider redshirt freshman Pablo DeCastro tested Gael keeper Juan Alcantara in the 10th minute with a shot the was pushed just left of the post.

DeCastro made up for his missed opportunity with Rider's first goal in the 38th minute. He scored his seventh goal of the season via an assist from junior Santiago Garcia Castro.

The Gaels bounced back in the second half in the 57th minute. Mendoza sent a cross into the box on Iona's fifth corner of the game; the high line drive cross connected with the head of Calderon to knot the game at 1-1. Mendoza now has a team-high four assists, and Calderon is the team-leader with four goal.

Aguinaga secured Iona's second home loss of the season with his third goal of the season. Junior Santiago Garcia Castro assisted on the game-winner.

The Maroon & Gold outshot Rider 13-8 and had a 9-5 advantage in corner kick chances. Mendoza had four shots to lead Iona. Junior Killian Colombie and Correa each had two chances. Alcantara made one save in net.

With postseason potential on the line, the Gaels return to action on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Buffalo, NY against Canisius.

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