NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College men’s soccer team shut out Delaware 3-0 in non-conference action at Mazzella Field. It was the Gaels third straight win and second consecutive shutout.
The Maroon & Gold wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Rookie Daniel Huerta netted the first goal of the game in the sixth minute off a corner kick from classmate Daniel Ocana Garcia. The freshman Huerta had a nifty back heel finish following a tip from junior co-captain Oscar Gonzalez that left Delaware goalkeeper, Blai Palmi, helpless.
Iona added to its lead later in the first half, this time using quick-paced transition offense to expand its margin of victory. Sophomore Marcos Nunez and Huerta led the assault, with Nunez booting the eventual goal into the net.
The Blue Hens were pegged with two yellow cards in the first half and visiting squad entered the second half trailing the Gaels 2-0. The Gaels out shot Delaware 8-4 in the first 45 minutes.
Delaware came out of the break with an edge, forcing an immediate corner kick opportunity within the first minute. Marco Siverio was able to put the ball on goal, however junior co-captain Julian Petrello stood up to the task and made one of his seven saves in the game.
The Gaels added extra padding to their lead in the 65th minute. Defending MAAC Offensive Player of the Week Brendan Reardon scored his third goal in three games. Junior Jordan Scarlett had the assist on the sophomore’s third career tally.
Petrello and the Iona defense pitched their second straight shutout and have not allowed more than one goal in only one game this season. It was Petrello’s 14th career shut out and 20th career victory, both ranking second in Iona history.
The Gaels will be back on action Saturday (Sep. 19) at Hartford in a 7:00 pm kick off.