Niagara women’s soccer earns third straight shutout at Iona

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — The Niagara women’s soccer team opened MAAC play with a commanding 3-0 shutout of the Iona Gaels.

SYNOPSIS
Though both teams remained scoreless in the first half, Niagara dominated play in the second half, scoring three times to blank the Gaels. Niagara created many scoring chances throughout the game and held the Gaels to only two shots on goal.

MOMENTS

• Both teams had limited scoring chances in the first half, but the Purple Eagles came out hot in the second period. In the 60^th minute, reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Annie Ibeynetted her team-leading fifth goal of the season. She took three straight shots that were blocked by Iona at the line until her final shot found its target.
• In the 67^th minute, Lauren Testa scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Ibey, to give the Purple Eagles a 2-0 lead over the Gaels. Ibey took the initial shot, which was saved by the Iona keeper and then deflected to Testa, who sank her shot.
• Niagara capped its 3-0 win with its third and final goal in the 87^th minute. Ida Miceli took a header off a free kick which was saved by the Gaels, then she put the rebound home to score the first goal of her collegiate career.

EAGLE’S EYE ON…

• Ibey recorded her team-leading fifth goal and third assist of the season. She led the Purple Eagles with six shots and three shots on goal.
• Shania van Nuland recorded two saves in her second solo shutout of the season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Niagara has earned three straight shutout wins and has four total shutouts on the season.
• With the victory over Iona, the Purple Eagles improve their record to 5-3-0, which is their best start to the season since 2010, when the team went 5-2-1 through its first eight games.
• The Purple Eagles outshot the Gaels 18-11 and took seven shots on goal, while allowing the Gaels only two shots on goal.

COACH’S CORNER

• “It’s great to start conference play with a win,” said head coach Peter Veltri. “We knew this was going to be a tricky game since Iona plays a very defensive style. I felt that our constant pressure was the key today. In the second half, we dominated and created a lot of chances to score. More impressive was the lack of chances we gave Iona. Overall, it was a good road victory!”

UP NEXT

• The Purple Eagles return to Niagara Field on Saturday, Sept. 22, hosting the Rider Broncs at 1:00 p.m.