NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College men’s soccer team snapped a three-game slide with a thrilling 1-0 double overtime win at Canisius Saturday night. Freshman Daniel Huertas scored his fifth goal of the season in the 103rd minute to lift the Gaels to the win.
After dropping three straight MAAC games by a single-goal, the Gaels and Griffs played more than 100 minutes of scoreless soccer before Huertas’ game winner.
To set up the play, sophomore Joshua Calderon took the ball away from a Canisius defender in the penalty area and dished it freshman Luis Mendoza. Mendoza’s initial shot attempt was saved by defender Alex De Carolis. The rebound shot up in the air and De Carolis used his fist to try to clear the ball. Freshman Killian Colombie got in the way and got his head on the punch out attempt and directed it towards the net. A second Canisius defender, Melvin Blair, made a leaping chest save on the second attempt and the rebound landed on the foot of Huertas who roofed a shot into the back of the net to end the game.
Huertas – who leads Iona with 59 shots attempts on the season – had a season-high 12 in the contest including eight on goal. The Gaels out shot Canisius 18-17 for the game.
Canisius keeper Andrew Coughlin made six saves in the loss. Iona goalie Julian Petrello earned his third shut out of the season with four stops.
The Gaels host Marist at Mazzella Field Wednesday (Oct. 14).