NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College women’s soccer team played Niagara University to a 2-2 draw Saturday afternoon at Mazzella Field. The Gaels are now 6-8-3 overall on the season, and 2-3-3 in MAAC play.
On the final weekend home game of the season, the Gaels recognized seniors Safi Ayinde, Sali Ayinde, Chelsea Cabarcas, Samantha Fiorenzo, Melissa Frederick, Gabriella Fuduli and Natalie Murphy prior to the game.
“Today we put in a solid team performance,” said head coach Linda Hathorn. “We created a lot of chances but needed to be a little sharper defensively in the first and last minutes of the game. Overall, we have shown growth and I am very proud of the team.”
Niagara’s Laura Ortiz put the Purple Eagles on the board in the fifth minute when she put in the rebound of teammate Eva Bachmann’s shot. Iona evened the score in the 26th minute when sophomore Erika Flowers received a pass from freshman Julia Campagna and took a shot that found the right side of the net.
Freshman Charlotte Stuart put Iona ahead 2-1 in the 67th minute after connecting from 20 yards out with a shot that bounced off the left post and into the net.
Danielle Kennedy tied the game at two with five minutes remaining in regulation. Kennedy one-timed a shot from the top of the box to the right side of the net to force the game into overtime.
Niagara had three shots to Iona’s one in the extra 20 minutes, but neither squad could find the golden goal.The Gaels outshot Niagara 13-12 overall in the contest, while the Purple Eagles held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Graduate student goalkeeper Lauren Ferris made three stops for Iona, all coming in overtime, while Claire Feiertag made five saves for Niagara.