NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College women’s soccer team dropped to 3-3 on the season with a 2-1 loss to Bryant University last Sunday at Mazzella Field. Following a 24th minute tally by the Gaels, the Bulldogs tied the game in the 26th minute before scoring the game-winner in the 73rd.
“It was an average performance,” said head coach Linda Hathorn. “We had moments where we played to our potential, and other moments where we just dropped off.”
Iona struck first when freshman forward Charlotte Stuart scored her third goal of the season. Off a cross from senior back Natalie Murphy, Stuart gathered the ball and connected from eight yards out to give the Gaels a 1-0 lead.
Just over two minutes later, Bryant evened the score when Kristen O’Connor scored her first of the year for the Bulldogs, scoring on a deep shot into the far post. Bryant then scored the go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute, when Sarah Schucker raced down the field and found daylight from three yards out to the far post.
Overall, Iona held a 15-13 advantage in shots, while Bryant had seven corner kicks to the Gaels’ three. Iona graduate student goalkeeper Lauren Ferris made two saves in 73-plus minutes of play, while freshman Morgan McBrier had two stops in a relief effort. Bryant goalkeeper Kaylan Conrad made four saves for the Bulldogs.
“We have to be ready to bleed Maroon & Gold every time we step on the field,” said Hathorn. “You can’t expect to get the results you want, if you’re not willing to put the effort out in the game.”
Iona resumes non-conference action Friday afternoon, when it welcomes Fordham to Mazzella Field for a 3:00 pm start.